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Li H, Chen C, Yang H, Tu J. Efficacy and safety of belimumab combined with the standard regimen in treating children with lupus nephritis. Eur J Pediatr 2024:10.1007/s00431-024-05662-9. [PMID: 38940925 DOI: 10.1007/s00431-024-05662-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of belimumab combined with the standard regimen in treating children with active lupus nephritis. This single-center, retrospective cohort study used clinical data of children with newly active lupus nephritis hospitalized in the Department of Nephrology between December 2004 and February 2023. Patients were divided into a belimumab or traditional treatment group according to whether or not they received belimumab. Renal remission and recurrence rates and glucocorticoid dose were compared between groups. Forty-seven children (median age 11 years) were enrolled, including 30 and 17 children in the traditional treatment and belimumab groups, respectively. The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2000 (SLEDAI-2000) score of children in the belimumab group (23.59 ± 7.78) was higher than that in the traditional treatment group (19.13 ± 6.10) (P = 0.035). The two groups showed no significant difference in the frequency of pyuria, gross hematuria, and the levels of 24-h proteinuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate. The complement C3/C4 in the belimumab group recovered faster than that in the traditional treatment group (P < 0.05). There were no between-group differences in the complete renal remission rate at 6 or 12 months (P = 0.442, P = 0.759). There were no between-group differences in 1-year recurrence rate (P = 0.303). Furthermore, 6 and 12 months after treatment, glucocorticoid doses were lower in the belimumab than the traditional treatment group (17.87 ± 6.96 mg/d vs. 27.33 ± 8.40 mg/d, P = 0.000; 10.00 (5.3) mg/d vs. 13.75 (10.0) mg/d, P = 0.007), respectively. CONCLUSION With an equivalent renal remission rate, belimumab combined with the standard traditional regimen might promote the tapering of glucocorticoids, and the incidence of adverse events is low. WHAT IS KNOWN • Belimumab is documented as an adjunctive treatment with systemic lupus erythematosus (c-SLE) LN with efficacy. • Due to the paucity of studies, its effects and side effects in children with LN remain unclear. WHAT IS NEW • This single-center, retrospective cohort study evaluated the efficacy and safety of belimumab combined with the standard regimen in treating children with proliferative LN. • Belimumab combined with the standard traditional treatment might promote the tapering of glucocorticoids, while exhibiting a low occurrence of adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huarong Li
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Chaoying Chen
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China.
| | - Hongxian Yang
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
| | - Juan Tu
- Department of Nephrology, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, 100020, China
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Chavan SV, Desikan S, Roman CAJ, Huan C. PKCδ Protects against Lupus Autoimmunity. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1364. [PMID: 38927570 PMCID: PMC11202175 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) has emerged as a key protective molecule against systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus), an autoimmune disease characterized by anti-double stranded (ds) DNA IgGs. Although PKCδ-deficient mice and lupus patients with mutated PRKCD genes clearly demonstrate the requirement for PKCδ in preventing lupus autoimmunity, this critical tolerance mechanism remains poorly understood. We recently reported that PKCδ acts as a key regulator of B cell tolerance by selectively deleting anti-dsDNA B cells in the germinal center (GC). PKCδ's tolerance function is activated by sphingomyelin synthase 2 (SMS2), a lipid enzyme whose expression is generally reduced in B cells from lupus patients. Moreover, pharmacologic strengthening of the SMS2/PKCδ tolerance pathway alleviated lupus pathogenesis in mice. Here, we review relevant publications in order to provide mechanistic insights into PKCδ's tolerance activity and discuss the potential significance of therapeutically targeting PKCδ's tolerance activity in the GC for selectively inhibiting lupus autoimmunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sailee Vijay Chavan
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, The School of Graduate Studies, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; (S.V.C.); (S.D.)
| | - Shreya Desikan
- Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, The School of Graduate Studies, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA; (S.V.C.); (S.D.)
| | - Christopher A J Roman
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA;
| | - Chongmin Huan
- Department of Cell Biology, State University of New York (SUNY) Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY 11203, USA;
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Rindi LV, Zaçe D, Braccialarghe N, Massa B, Barchi V, Iannazzo R, Fato I, De Maria F, Kontogiannis D, Malagnino V, Sarmati L, Iannetta M. Drug-Induced Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Drug Saf 2024; 47:333-354. [PMID: 38321317 DOI: 10.1007/s40264-023-01383-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) was first described among patients affected by hematological or solid tumors. Following the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) epidemic, people living with HIV have represented most cases for more than a decade. With the diffusion of highly active antiretroviral therapy, this group progressively decreased in favor of patients undergoing treatment with targeted therapy/immunomodulators. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, the objective was to assess which drugs are most frequently related to PML development, and report the incidence of drug-induced PML through a meta-analytic approach. METHODS The electronic databases MEDLINE, EMBASE, ClinicalTrials.gov, Web of Science and the Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health Database (CADTH) were searched up to May 10, 2022. Articles that reported the risk of PML development after treatment with immunomodulatory drugs, including patients of both sexes under the age of 80 years, affected by any pathology except HIV, primary immunodeficiencies or malignancies, were included in the review. The incidence of drug-induced PML was calculated based on PML cases and total number of patients observed per 100 persons and the observation time. Random-effect metanalyses were conducted for each drug reporting pooled incidence with 95% confidence intervals (CI) and median (interquartile range [IQR]) of the observation time. Heterogeneity was measured by I2 statistics. Publication bias was examined through funnel plots and Egger's test. RESULTS A total of 103 studies were included in the systematic review. In our analysis, we found no includible study reporting cases of PML during the course of treatment with ocrelizumab, vedolizumab, abrilumab, ontamalimab, teriflunomide, daclizumab, inebilizumab, basiliximab, tacrolimus, belimumab, infliximab, firategrast, disulone, azathioprine or danazole. Dalfampridine, glatiramer acetate, dimethyl fumarate and fingolimod show a relatively safe profile, although some cases of PML have been reported. The meta-analysis showed an incidence of PML cases among patients undergoing rituximab treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) of 0.01 cases/100 persons (95% CI - 0.08 to 0.09; I2 = 20.4%; p = 0.25) for a median observation period of 23.5 months (IQR 22.1-42.1). Treatment of MS with natalizumab carried a PML risk of 0.33 cases/100 persons (95% CI 0.29-0.37; I2 = 50%; p = 0.003) for a median observation period of 44.1 months (IQR 28.4-60) and a mean number of doses of 36.3 (standard deviation [SD] ± 20.7). When comparing data about patients treated with standard interval dosing (SID) and extended interval dosing (EID), the latter appears to carry a smaller risk of PML, that is, 0.08 cases/100 persons (95% CI 0.0-0.15) for EID versus 0.3 cases/100 persons (95% CI 0.25-0.34) for SID. CONCLUSIONS A higher risk of drug-related PML in patients whose immune system is not additionally depressed by means of neoplasms, HIV or concomitant medications is found in the neurological field. This risk is higher in MS treatment, and specifically during long-term natalizumab therapy. While this drug is still routinely prescribed in this field, considering the efficacy in reducing MS relapses, in other areas it could play a smaller role, and be gradually replaced by other safer and more recently approved agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Vittorio Rindi
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Drieda Zaçe
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Neva Braccialarghe
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Barbara Massa
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Barchi
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta Iannazzo
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Ilenia Fato
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco De Maria
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Dimitra Kontogiannis
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Malagnino
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Loredana Sarmati
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Iannetta
- Department of Systems Medicine, Tor Vergata University, Via Montpellier, 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Infectious Disease Clinic, Policlinico Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford, 81, 00133, Rome, Italy.
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Rovin BH, Ayoub IM, Chan TM, Liu ZH, Mejía-Vilet JM, Floege J. KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the management of LUPUS NEPHRITIS. Kidney Int 2024; 105:S1-S69. [PMID: 38182286 DOI: 10.1016/j.kint.2023.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
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Jatta N, Stanslas J, Yong ACH, Ho WC, Wan Ahmad Kammal WSL, Chua EW, How KN. Whole blood hydroxychloroquine: Does genetic polymorphism of cytochrome P450 enzymes have a role? Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4141-4152. [PMID: 37480404 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01142-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/24/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease with a wide range of clinical manifestations and multifactorial etiologies ranging from environmental to genetic. SLE is associated with dysregulated immunological reactions, with increased immune complex formation leading to end-organ damages such as lupus nephritis, cutaneous lupus, and musculoskeletal disorders. Lupus treatment aims to reduce disease activity, prevent organ damage, and improve long-term patient survival and quality of life. Antimalarial, hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is used as a first-line systemic treatment for lupus. It has shown profound efficacy in lupus and its associated conditions. However, wide variation in terms of clinical response to this drug has been observed among this group of patients. This variability has limited the potential of HCQ to achieve absolute clinical benefits. Several factors, including genetic polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 enzymes, have been stipulated as key entities leading to this inter-individual variation. Thus, there is a need for more studies to understand the role of genetic polymorphisms in CYP450 enzymes in the clinical response to HCQ. Focusing on the role of genetic polymorphism on whole blood HCQ in lupus disorder, this review aims to highlight up-to-date pathophysiology of SLE, the mechanism of action of HCQ, and finally the role of genetic polymorphism of CYP450 enzymes on whole blood HCQ level as well as clinical response in lupus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Njundu Jatta
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Johnson Stanslas
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Audrey Chee Hui Yong
- School of Pharmacy, MAHSA University, Bandar Saujana Putra, Jenjarom, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Wen Chung Ho
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Dermatology Unit, Hospital Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Wan Syazween Lyana Wan Ahmad Kammal
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia
- Dermatology Unit, Hospital Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Eng Wee Chua
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Jalan Raja Muda Abdul Aziz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Kang Nien How
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
- Dermatology Unit, Hospital Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Malaysia.
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6
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Nakai T, Fukui S, Sawada H, Ikada Y, Tamaki H, Kishimoto M, Okada M. Disease-modifying effect and long-term safety of belimumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: A single-center retrospective study. Lupus 2023; 32:1518-1527. [PMID: 37858981 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231208845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disease modification in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is important for minimizing disease activity while limiting treatment-associated toxicities. Belimumab can be used as a remission-induction/maintenance systemic lupus erythematosus therapy; however, its disease-modifying effects are unclear. We aimed to determine these effects in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. METHODS This single-center retrospective cohort study included 92 patients with systemic lupus erythematosus treated with belimumab. We analyzed the changes in flare free rate/lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) attainment rate/glucocorticoid dosage/Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics and American College of Rheumatology damage index (SDI) score/drug retention rate after treatment initiation. RESULTS Fifty-two weeks after initiating belimumab, the flare rate decreased from 82.6% to 14.1% (p < .01). Until week 52 and 1000 days after initiating belimumab treatment, > 70% and ∼90% of the patients attained lupus low disease activity state, respectively. Belimumab treatment significantly reduced glucocorticoid demand (initiation day, 8.88 (6.00-15.00) mg/d; week 52, 5.00 (2.00-7.00) mg/d; final day of the study period, 3.00 (0.46-6.06) mg/d, initiation day vs. week 52: p < .01, initiation day vs. final day: p < .01); at the end of the study period, 68.5% of patients required ≤5 mg/d prednisolone, and 22.8% discontinued glucocorticoids. Most patients were SDI progression-free (week 52, ∼95%; day 1000, ∼90%), and belimumab showed a high drug retention rate (week 52, 90%; day 1000 > 80%). CONCLUSION Most patients experienced lupus low disease activity state, reduced flare rate and glucocorticoid demand, and a stable SDI trend after belimumab treatment initiation. Given its efficacy and retention rate, belimumab treatment may serve as a fundamental strategy in disease modification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Nakai
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sho Fukui
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Center for Clinical Epidemiology, St Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Emergency and General Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation, and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, MA, USA
| | - Haruki Sawada
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Yukihiko Ikada
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Tamaki
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsumasa Kishimoto
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Okada
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St Luke's International Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
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Parodis I, Long X, Karlsson MCI, Huang X. B Cell Tolerance and Targeted Therapies in SLE. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6268. [PMID: 37834911 PMCID: PMC10573616 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease of high clinical and molecular heterogeneity, and a relapsing-remitting pattern. The disease is currently without cure and more prevalent in women. B cell tolerance and production of autoantibodies are critical mechanisms that drive SLE pathophysiology. However, how the balance of the immune system is broken and how the innate and adaptive immune systems are interacting during lupus-specific autoimmune responses are still largely unknown. Here, we review the latest knowledge on B cell development, maturation, and central versus peripheral tolerance in connection to SLE and treatment options. We also discuss the regulation of B cells by conventional T cells, granulocytes, and unconventional T cells, and how effector B cells exert their functions in SLE. We also discuss mechanisms of action of B cell-targeted therapies, as well as possible future directions based on current knowledge of B cell biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden;
- Department of Gastroenterology, Dermatology and Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, 70281 Örebro, Sweden
| | - Xuan Long
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China;
| | - Mikael C. I. Karlsson
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden;
| | - Xin Huang
- Department of Dermatology, Hunan Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenomics, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China;
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Fanouriakis A, Bertsias G, Liapis G, Marinaki S, Papagianni A, Stangou M, Garyfallos A, Lionaki S, Tektonidou MG, Boletis JN, Boumpas DT. Multidisciplinary approach to lupus nephritis: Clinical pearls, pitfalls, and positioning of newly-approved agents. Lupus 2023; 32:1155-1163. [PMID: 37499240 DOI: 10.1177/09612033231191944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is a major course of morbidity and mortality in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), best managed by a multidisciplinary group. To this end, we gathered a group of rheumatologists, nephrologists and a nephropathologist to review current evidence regarding diagnosis and management of LN. In this consensus paper, we summarize the key points from this meeting and provide practice guidelines for the management of kidney involvement in SLE, in view of emerging new data concerning novel agents approved recently. Renal biopsy is indispensable for the management of LN. Yet, important pearls and pitfalls need to be considered regarding indications and interpretation, which are summarized in informative tables. In new-onset LN, experts agreed that, although belimumab may be added from disease onset, patients with moderate to severe proliferative nephritis (defined as: NIH activity index > 5 plus ≥ 1 of the following: (i) NIH chronicity index > 2, (ii) proteinuria > 3 g/24 h, and (iii) increase in serum creatinine > 20%) may be more likely to benefit the most. In all other patients who have already started standard-of-care treatment with either mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) or cyclophosphamide (CY), belimumab could be considered in cases with an inadequate clinical response by 3 months, or in cases that experience a nephritic flare following initial response, or have an inability to reduce the dose of glucocorticoids. In all circumstances, the drug should be given as add-on therapy, that is, in combination with a standard-of-care therapy (MMF or CY). Voclosporin could be considered for up to 3 years, in combination with MMF, in patients with heavy proteinuria (well above the nephrotic range), wherein a quick reduction of protein loss in urine is desirable to avoid the complications of the nephrotic syndrome, either as part of the initial regimen, or in cases of inadequate reduction of proteinuria with MMF. In view of the potential scarring effects, long-term administration beyond the first year requires further documentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonis Fanouriakis
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, "Attikon" University Hospital of Athens, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - George Bertsias
- Rheumatology, Clinical Immunology and Allergy, University Hospital of Heraklion, Herakilon, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation or Research and Technology - Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - George Liapis
- First Department of Pathology, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Smaragdi Marinaki
- Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Papagianni
- Department of Nephrology, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Maria Stangou
- Department of Nephrology, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Alexandros Garyfallos
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Hippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Sophia Lionaki
- Department of Nephrology, "Attikon" University Hospital of Athens, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria G Tektonidou
- First Department of Propaedeutic Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - John N Boletis
- Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, Laiko General Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios T Boumpas
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, "Attikon" University Hospital of Athens, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Laboratory of Autoimmunity and Inflammation, Athens, Greece
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9
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Athanassiou P, Athanassiou L. Current Treatment Approach, Emerging Therapies and New Horizons in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:1496. [PMID: 37511872 PMCID: PMC10381582 DOI: 10.3390/life13071496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), the prototype of systemic autoimmune diseases is characterized by extreme heterogeneity with a variable clinical course. Renal involvement may be observed and affects the outcome. Hydroxychloroquine should be administered to every lupus patient irrespective of organ involvement. Conventional immunosuppressive therapy includes corticosteroids, methotrexate, cyclophosphamide, mycophenolate mofetil, azathioprine, cyclosporine and tacrolimus. However, despite conventional immunosuppressive treatment, flares occur and broad immunosuppression is accompanied by multiple side effects. Flare occurrence, target organ involvement, side effects of broad immunosuppression and increased knowledge of the pathogenetic mechanisms involved in SLE pathogenesis as well as the availability of biologic agents has led to the application of biologic agents in SLE management. Biologic agents targeting various pathogenetic paths have been applied. B cell targeting agents have been used successfully. Belimumab, a B cell targeting agent, has been approved for the treatment of SLE. Rituximab, an anti-CD20 targeting agent is also used in SLE. Anifrolumab, an interferon I receptor-targeting agent has beneficial effects on SLE. In conclusion, biologic treatment is applied in SLE and should be further evaluated with the aim of a good treatment response and a significant improvement in quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lambros Athanassiou
- Department of Rheumatology, Asclepeion Hospital, Voula, GR16673 Athens, Greece
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10
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Zen M, Gatto M, Depascale R, Regola F, Fredi M, Andreoli L, Franceschini F, Urban ML, Emmi G, Ceccarelli F, Conti F, Bortoluzzi A, Govoni M, Tani C, Mosca M, Ubiali T, Gerosa M, Bozzolo EP, Canti V, Cardinaletti P, Gabrielli A, Tanti G, Gremese E, De Marchi G, De Vita S, Fasano S, Ciccia F, Pazzola G, Salvarani C, Negrini S, Di Matteo A, De Angelis R, Orsolini G, Rossini M, Faggioli P, Laria A, Piga M, Cauli A, Scarpato S, Rossi FW, De Paulis A, Brunetta E, Ceribelli A, Selmi C, Prete M, Racanelli V, Vacca A, Bartoloni E, Gerli R, Zanatta E, Larosa M, Saccon F, Doria A, Iaccarino L. Early and Late Response and Glucocorticoid-Sparing Effect of Belimumab in Patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus with Joint and Skin Manifestations: Results from the Belimumab in Real Life Setting Study-Joint and Skin (BeRLiSS-JS). J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13040691. [PMID: 37109077 PMCID: PMC10146447 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13040691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM To assess the efficacy of belimumab in joint and skin manifestations in a nationwide cohort of patients with SLE. METHODS All patients with skin and joint involvement enrolled in the BeRLiSS cohort were considered. Belimumab (intravenous, 10 mg/kg) effectiveness in joint and skin manifestations was assessed by DAS28 and CLASI, respectively. Attainment and predictors of DAS28 remission (<2.6) and LDA (≥2.6, ≤3.2), CLASI = 0, 1, and improvement in DAS28 and CLASI indices ≥20%, ≥50%, and ≥70% were evaluated at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. RESULTS DAS28 < 2.6 was achieved by 46%, 57%, and 71% of patients at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. CLASI = 0 was achieved by 36%, 48%, and 62% of patients at 6, 12, and 24 months, respectively. Belimumab showed a glucocorticoid-sparing effect, being glucocorticoid-free at 8.5%, 15.4%, 25.6%, and 31.6% of patients at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months, respectively. Patients achieving DAS-LDA and CLASI-50 at 6 months had a higher probability of remission at 12 months compared with those who did not (p = 0.034 and p = 0.028, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Belimumab led to clinical improvement in a significant proportion of patients with joint or skin involvement in a real-life setting and was associated with a glucocorticoid-sparing effect. A significant proportion of patients with a partial response at 6 months achieved remission later on during follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Zen
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Roberto Depascale
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Regola
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Micaela Fredi
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Laura Andreoli
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Franco Franceschini
- ASST Spedali Civili di Brescia, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Maria Letizia Urban
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Giacomo Emmi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Fulvia Ceccarelli
- Dipartimento Universitario di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari (SCIAC) 'Sapienza' University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Conti
- Dipartimento Universitario di Scienze Cliniche, Internistiche, Anestesiologiche e Cardiovascolari (SCIAC) 'Sapienza' University, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bortoluzzi
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna-Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marcello Govoni
- Rheumatology Unit, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria S. Anna-Ferrara, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Chiara Tani
- Rheumatology, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Marta Mosca
- Rheumatology, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Tania Ubiali
- Clinical Rheumatology Unit Milano, ASST Gaetano Pini, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Lombardia, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Gerosa
- Clinical Rheumatology Unit Milano, ASST Gaetano Pini, Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, Lombardia, 20129 Milan, Italy
| | - Enrica P Bozzolo
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Canti
- Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy and Rare Diseases, IRCCS Ospedale San Raffaele, 20100 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo Cardinaletti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Armando Gabrielli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Cliniche e Molecolari, Università Politecnica delle Marche, 60121 Ancona, Italy
| | - Giacomo Tanti
- Division of Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Sede di Roma, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Gremese
- Division of Rheumatology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore Sede di Roma, 00168 Rome, Italy
- Division of Rheumatology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli-IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Ginevra De Marchi
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Udine, Medical Area, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Salvatore De Vita
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Udine, Medical Area, 33100 Udine, Italy
| | - Serena Fasano
- Deparment of Precision Medicine Napoli, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesco Ciccia
- Deparment of Precision Medicine Napoli, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Giulia Pazzola
- Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Carlo Salvarani
- Azienda USL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Rheumatology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Simone Negrini
- Internal Medicine Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, Università degli Studi di Genova, 16146 Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Di Matteo
- Deparment of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Rheumatology Clinic, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | - Rossella De Angelis
- Deparment of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Rheumatology Clinic, 60131 Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Maurizio Rossini
- Unit of Rheumatology, University of di Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Paola Faggioli
- ASST OVEST Milanese Presidio di Legnano, 20025 Legnano, Italy
| | - Antonella Laria
- ASST OVEST Milanese Presidio di Magenta, 20013 Magenta, Italy
| | - Matteo Piga
- Rheumatology Unit, AOU University Clinic, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alberto Cauli
- Rheumatology Unit, AOU University Clinic, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Wanda Rossi
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Traslazionali e Centro di Ricerca Immunologia Base e Clinica (CISI), University of Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Amato De Paulis
- Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche, Traslazionali e Centro di Ricerca Immunologia Base e Clinica (CISI), University of Napoli Federico II, 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Enrico Brunetta
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy, 20089 Milan, Italy
| | - Angela Ceribelli
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Carlo Selmi
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, 20089 Milan, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marcella Prete
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Vito Racanelli
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Angelo Vacca
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari, 70125 Bari, Italy
| | - Elena Bartoloni
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, 06121 Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberto Gerli
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, 06121 Perugia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Zanatta
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Maddalena Larosa
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Francesca Saccon
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Andrea Doria
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
| | - Luca Iaccarino
- Rheumatology Unit, Department of Medicine-DIMED, University of Padova, Via Giustiniani, 2, 35128 Padova, Italy
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Stohl W, Kwok A. Belimumab for the treatment of pediatric patients with lupus nephritis. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2023; 23:243-251. [PMID: 36750049 DOI: 10.1080/14712598.2023.2178297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The FDA approved the anti-BAFF monoclonal antibody, belimumab, in 2011 for adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), in 2019 for pediatric SLE, in 2020 for adult lupus nephritis (LN), and in 2022 for pediatric LN. AREAS COVERED We performed a PUBMED database search through November 2022, using 'belimumab and lupus nephritis,' 'belimumab and childhood systemic lupus erythematosus,' 'belimumab and pediatric systemic lupus erythematosus,' and 'belimumab and juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus' as the search phrases. We also vetted pertinent references cited in the papers gleaned from the above search, and we drew from our personal literature collections. EXPERT OPINION Based on clinical-trials and real-world experience, belimumab is useful and safe in adult SLE and LN. In contrast and despite FDA approval, evidence of effectiveness in pediatric SLE and pediatric LN is very limited. Whereas there was a trend favoring belimumab in the only randomized, controlled trial to date in pediatric SLE, the difference between the belimumab and placebo groups failed to achieve statistical significance. Moreover, there have been no randomized, controlled trials for belimumab in pediatric LN. Based largely on information gleaned from experience in adults, the clinician can cautiously prescribe belimumab to his/her pediatric LN patient and hope for benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Stohl
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Alyssa Kwok
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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12
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Gomez A, Enman Y, Parodis I. Impact of Belimumab on Patient-Reported Outcomes in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Insights from Clinical Trials and Real-World Evidence. Patient Relat Outcome Meas 2023; 14:1-13. [PMID: 36699199 PMCID: PMC9869695 DOI: 10.2147/prom.s369584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, autoimmune disease, characterised by a relapsing-remitting pattern of inflammatory activity, with each relapse contributing to irreversible end-organ damage with detrimental effects on patients' course, adding up to morbidity burden and shortening life-length. Along with several other demographic, socioeconomic, and life-style factors, high inflammatory activity and accrued organ damage have been coupled with adverse health-related quality of life (HRQoL) within physical, mental, and psychosocial aspects. The management of SLE has improved substantially during the last decades, owing to a technological explosion that has advanced drug development towards more targeted options. Being the first drug to be approved for SLE in more than half a century and the first in history biological agent for SLE, the introduction in 2011 of the monoclonal antibody belimumab that specifically binds to the soluble counterpart of B cell activating factor (BAFF) was a breakthrough in SLE drug development. The efficacy and favourable safety profile of belimumab has been demonstrated across several clinical trials and observational studies. Herein, we reviewed the literature and provide a summary on the effects of belimumab on SLE patients' HRQoL based on 23 studies. Belimumab has been shown to induce clinically important improvements in physical aspects of HRQoL and in fatigue, the latter being a common and major complaint within the SLE population. People with SLE overall benefit more from belimumab within physical compared with mental aspects of HRQoL. However, despite improvements of clinical and immunological features upon therapy with belimumab, HRQoL perception remains unsatisfactory for a substantial percentage of the patients. Finally, our review made apparent an urgent need for optimisation of the use of patient-reported outcome measures, both in research and clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alvaro Gomez
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yvonne Enman
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden,Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden,Correspondence: Ioannis Parodis, Division of Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital Solna, SE-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden, Tel +46722321322, Email
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13
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Kolev M, Sarbu AC, Möller B, Maurer B, Kollert F, Semmo N. Belimumab treatment in autoimmune hepatitis and primary biliary cholangitis - a case series. J Transl Autoimmun 2023; 6:100189. [PMID: 36718275 PMCID: PMC9883290 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtauto.2023.100189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The majority of patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) achieve complete remission with established treatment regiments. In patients with intolerance or insufficient response to these drugs, the remaining options are limited and novel treatment approaches necessary. In primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and fibrates have improved prognosis dramatically, but there remains a proportion of patients with refractory disease.In patients with refractory AIH and/or PBC, we used a novel treatment strategy with the anti-B cell activating factor, belimumab. The first three patients had concomitant Sjögren's disease. The connecting element between all three diseases is B cell activation, including elevated levels of the B cell activating factor (BAFF). Furthermore, belimumab has been shown to be beneficial in Sjögren's disease. Aims and methods To retrospectively investigate treatment response in six patients with AIH or PBC with or without concomitant Sjögren's disease treated with the anti-BAFF therapy belimumab at the University Hospital in Bern, Switzerland. Results In all three patients with AIH, belimumab improved disease control and helped by-pass or reduce problematic side effects from corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors. In PBC patients (n = 3), there was no clear improvement of liver function tests, despite reduction or normalization of IgM. All patients with concomitant Sjögren's disease (n = 3) had an improvement of sicca symptoms and two out of three patients experienced an initially marked reduction in fatigue, which lessened over time. Conclusions Belimumab may be a promising treatment option for patients with AIH and further investigations are needed. In PBC however, response was not convincing. The effects on sicca symptoms and fatigue were encouraging.
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Key Words
- AIH, autoimmune hepatitis
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AMA, anti-mitochondrial antibodies
- ANA, anti-nuclear antibodies
- AP, alkaline phosphatase
- APS, anti-phospholipid-antibody syndrome
- AZA, azathioprine
- Autoimmune hepatitis
- Autoimmune liver disease
- BDN, budesonide
- Belimumab
- CI, calcineurin inhibitor
- CyA, cyclosporine A
- INR, international normalized ratio
- IgG, immunoglobulin G
- IgM, immunoglobulin M
- LC 1, liver cytosol 1 antibodies
- LKM-1, liver-kidney-microsomal antibodies
- MMF, mycophenolate mofetil
- MRCP, magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography
- NA, not applicable
- NRH, nodular regenerative hyperplasia
- PBC, primary biliary cholangitis
- PDN, prednisolone
- PLA2R, anti-phospholipase 2 receptor antibody
- PSC, primary sclerosing cholangitis
- Primary biliary cholangitis
- RF, rheumatoid factor
- SLA, soluble liver antigen antibodies
- SLE, systemic lupus erythematosus
- SMA, smooth-muscle cell antibodies
- SS-A, SS-A (Ro) antibodies
- SS-B, SS-B (La) antibodies
- Sjögren's disease
- TNFi, tumor necrosis factor inhibitor
- UDCA, ursodeoxycholic acid
- ULN, upper limit of normal
- disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs, DMARDs
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Kolev
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland,Graduate School for Health Sciences, University of Bern, 3012, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Adela-Cristina Sarbu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Burkhard Möller
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Britta Maurer
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Florian Kollert
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland
| | - Nasser Semmo
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, University of Bern, Switzerland,Corresponding author. University Clinic for Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Inselspital Bern, Murtenstrasse 35, 3010, Bern, Switzerland.
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14
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Tanaka Y, Curtis P, DeRose K, Kurrasch R, Kinoshita K, Tanaka R, Yamazaki Y, Roth DA. Long-term safety and efficacy of belimumab in Japanese patients with SLE: A 7-year open-label continuation study. Mod Rheumatol 2023; 33:122-133. [PMID: 34915574 DOI: 10.1093/mr/roab125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Evaluate long-term safety, tolerability, and efficacy of belimumab in Japanese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS This was a subgroup analysis of Japanese patients who completed studies BEL113750 or BEL112341 and were enrolled in a Phase 3, open-label extension study (BEL114333; NCT01597622). Eligible patients received intravenous belimumab 10 mg/kg every 28 days for ≤7 years. Primary endpoint: safety and tolerability. Secondary endpoints included SLE Responder Index (SRI)-4 response rate, SRI-4 components, severe SLE flare, and use of corticosteroids/other SLE-related treatments. Analyses were based on observed data from first belimumab dose received in either parent or current study through to study end. RESULTS Of 71 Japanese patients enrolled, 69.0% completed the study. Overall, 98.6% patients had adverse events (AEs); 32.4% had serious AEs. The proportion of SRI-4 responders increased progressively (Year 1, Week 24: 40.9% [27/66]; Year 7, Week 48: 84.6% [11/13]) as did the proportion of Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-SLE Disease Activity Index responders. The proportion of patients with no worsening in PGA (91.2-100.0%) and no new organ damage (92.6-100.0%) remained stable over time. Severe SLE flare was experienced by 11.3% (8/71) of patients. Corticosteroid and immunosuppressant use decreased over time. CONCLUSIONS Favourable safety profile and treatment responses with belimumab were maintained for ≤7 years in Japanese patients with SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiya Tanaka
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Paula Curtis
- R&D Biostatics, GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, Middlesex, UK
| | - Kathleen DeRose
- R&D Immunoinflammation, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Regina Kurrasch
- R&D Immunoinflammation, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | - Kyoko Kinoshita
- Speciality Medical and Development, GlaxoSmithKline, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Rika Tanaka
- Speciality Medical and Development, GlaxoSmithKline, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - David A Roth
- R&D Immunoinflammation, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, PA, USA
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15
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Rath E, Bonelli M, Duftner C, Gruber J, Mandl P, Moazedi-Furst F, Pieringer H, Puchner R, Flick H, Salzer HJF, Weiss G, Winkler S, Skvara H, Moschen A, Hofer H, Feurstein J, Sautner J. [National consensus statement by the Austrian Societies for Rheumatology, Pulmonology, Infectiology, Dermatology and Gastroenterology regarding the management of latent tuberculosis and the associated utilization of biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDS (disease modifying antirheumatic drugs)]. Z Rheumatol 2023; 82:163-174. [PMID: 36342525 PMCID: PMC9981509 DOI: 10.1007/s00393-022-01274-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
This nationwide Austrian consensus statement summarizes the recommendations on the management of latent tuberculosis by treatment with biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs. The essential questions with respect to screening and preventive treatment were discussed by experts from the disciplines of rheumatology, pneumology, infectious diseases, dermatology and gastroenterology, based on the available data, and then a joint consensus was formed by agreement. This involved a differentiated discussion on the various forms of treatment, and clear recommendations were formulated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Rath
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie und Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Wien, Österreich ,grid.413662.40000 0000 8987 03441. Medizinische Abteilung, Hanusch Krankenhaus, Wien, Österreich
| | - Michael Bonelli
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie und Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Wien, Österreich ,grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin III, Klinische Abteilung für Rheumatologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Österreich
| | - Christina Duftner
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie und Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Wien, Österreich ,grid.5361.10000 0000 8853 2677Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin II, Department für Innere Medizin, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck/Tirol Kliniken, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Johann Gruber
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie und Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Wien, Österreich ,grid.5361.10000 0000 8853 2677Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin II, Department für Innere Medizin, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck/Tirol Kliniken, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Peter Mandl
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie und Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Wien, Österreich ,grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin III, Klinische Abteilung für Rheumatologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Österreich
| | - Florentine Moazedi-Furst
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie und Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Wien, Österreich ,grid.11598.340000 0000 8988 2476Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin, Klinische Abteilung für Rheumatologie und Immunologie, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, Österreich
| | - Herwig Pieringer
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie und Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Wien, Österreich ,Klinik Diakonissen Linz, Linz, Österreich
| | - Rudolf Puchner
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie und Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Wien, Österreich ,Ordination Wels, Wels, Österreich
| | - Holger Flick
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für Pulmologie (ÖGP), Wien, Österreich ,Österreichische Gesellschaft für Infektionskrankheiten und Tropenmedizin (ÖGIT), Kottingbrunn, Österreich ,grid.11598.340000 0000 8988 2476Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin, Klinische Abteilung für Pulmonologie, Medizinische Universität Graz, Graz, Österreich
| | - Helmut J. F. Salzer
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für Pulmologie (ÖGP), Wien, Österreich ,grid.473675.4Klinik für Lungenheilkunde, Kepler Universitätsklinikum Linz, Linz, Österreich
| | - Günter Weiss
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie und Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Wien, Österreich ,Österreichische Gesellschaft für Infektionskrankheiten und Tropenmedizin (ÖGIT), Kottingbrunn, Österreich ,grid.5361.10000 0000 8853 2677Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin II, Department für Innere Medizin, Medizinische Universität Innsbruck/Tirol Kliniken, Innsbruck, Österreich
| | - Stefan Winkler
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für Infektionskrankheiten und Tropenmedizin (ÖGIT), Kottingbrunn, Österreich ,grid.22937.3d0000 0000 9259 8492Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin I, Klinische Abteilung für Infektionen und Tropenmedizin, Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Österreich
| | - Hans Skvara
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für Dermatologie und Venerologie (ÖGDV), Wien, Österreich ,Abteilung für Dermatologie und Venerologie, Landesklinikum Wiener Neustadt, Wien, Österreich
| | - Alexander Moschen
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie (ÖGGH), Wien, Österreich ,grid.473675.4Klinik für Innere Medizin mit Schwerpunkt Gastroenterologie/Hepatologie, Kepler Universitätsklinikum Linz, Linz, Österreich
| | - Harald Hofer
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie (ÖGGH), Wien, Österreich ,grid.459707.80000 0004 0522 7001Abteilung für Innere Medizin 1, Klinikum Wels-Grieskirchen, Wels, Österreich
| | - Julia Feurstein
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie und Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Wien, Österreich ,grid.413662.40000 0000 8987 03441. Medizinische Abteilung, Hanusch Krankenhaus, Wien, Österreich
| | - Judith Sautner
- Österreichische Gesellschaft für Rheumatologie und Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Wien, Österreich. .,Universitätsklinik für Innere Medizin III, Klinische Abteilung für Rheumatologie, Medizinische Universität Wien, Wien, Österreich. .,2. Medizinische Abteilung mit Schwerpunkt Rheumatologie, Karl Landsteiner Institut für klinische Rheumatologie, Landesklinikum Korneuburg-Stockerau, Landstr. 18, 2000, Stockerau, Österreich.
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16
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Wang D, Shan C, Liu J, Zhang R, Zhu G, Gao T, Chang H, Gao S, Bai C, Nie N, Zhang Q, Lin Y. Efficacy and safety of belimumab for the treatment of refractory childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus: A single-center, real-world, retrospective study. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1067721. [PMID: 36591249 PMCID: PMC9794867 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1067721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of belimumab for treating children with refractory childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE). Methods Twenty-six cSLE patients who received belimumab treatment in our hospital from January 2020 to September 2021 (23 of them for more than 52 weeks) were enrolled in this study. Their clinical and laboratory data, assessment of disease activity, glucocorticoid dosage, and treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were retrieved for analysis. The paired samples t-test and the nonparametric test were used to compare the baseline and post-treatment data. Results The mean age of onset was 10.3 ± 2.4 years old; the mean disease duration was 41.6 ± 37.4 months; the median Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) score was 10 (P 25, P 75: 3, 17); and the mean Physician's Global Assessment (PGA) score at baseline was 1.9 ± 1.0. Compared with the baseline values, there was a significant decrease in the 24-h urine protein quantifications at 24 and 52 weeks of treatment (P<0.05) as well as an elevated complement (C) 3 and C4 levels at 4, 12, 24, and 52 weeks of treatment. In addition, the SLEDAI-2K and PGA scores as well as the percentage of CD19+ B cells were significantly decreased at 12, 24, and 52 weeks of treatment compared with the baseline values (P<0.05). The dosage of glucocorticoid at 4, 12, 24, and 52 weeks of treatment was significantly less than that at baseline or the previous follow-up (P<0.05). At 52 weeks, 14 subjects (53.8%) achieved Lupus Low Disease Activity State (LLDAS), and 4 subjects (15.4%) reached clinical remission (CR). At the last follow-up, 16 subjects (61.5%) achieved LLDAS, and 10 subjects (38.5%) reached CR. Conclusions Belimumab treatment can significantly improve laboratory indicators, reduce disease activity, and decrease the dosage of glucocorticoid required in children with cSLE. Moreover, it has a good safety profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dahai Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunrong Shan
- Department of Pediatrics, Qingdao Women and Children’s Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ranran Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Guohao Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Tingting Gao
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hong Chang
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Shan Gao
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Cui Bai
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Nana Nie
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Qiuye Zhang
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China,*Correspondence: Qiuye Zhang, ; Yi Lin,
| | - Yi Lin
- Department of Nephrology, Rheumatology, and Immunology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China,*Correspondence: Qiuye Zhang, ; Yi Lin,
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17
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Urowitz MB, Aranow C, Asukai Y, Bass DL, Bruce IN, Chauhan D, Dall'Era M, Furie R, Fox NL, Gilbride JA, Hammer A, Ginzler EM, Gonzalez‐Rivera T, Levy RA, Merrill JT, Quasny H, Roth DA, Stohl W, van Vollenhoven R, Wallace DJ, Petri M. Impact of Belimumab on Organ Damage in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) 2022; 74:1822-1828. [PMID: 35439360 PMCID: PMC9805003 DOI: 10.1002/acr.24901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Organ damage is a key determinant of poor long-term prognosis and early death in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Prevention of damage is a key treatment goal of the 2019 update of the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) recommendations for SLE management. Belimumab is a monoclonal antibody that inhibits B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and is the only therapy approved for both SLE and lupus nephritis. Here, we review the clinical trial and real-world data on the effects of belimumab on organ damage in adult patients with SLE. Across 4 phase III studies, belimumab in combination with background SLE therapy demonstrated consistent reductions in key drivers of organ damage including disease activity, risk of new severe flares, and glucocorticoid exposure compared to background therapy alone. Long-term belimumab use in SLE also reduced organ damage progression measured by the Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics/American College of Rheumatology Damage Index, as reported in open-label extension studies, and propensity score-matched comparative analyses to background therapy alone. Results from a clinical trial showed that in patients with active lupus nephritis, belimumab treatment improved renal response, reduced the risk of renal-related events, and impacted features related to kidney damage progression compared to background therapy alone. The decrease of organ damage accumulation observed with belimumab treatment in SLE, including lupus nephritis, suggest a disease-modifying effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Cynthia Aranow
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical ResearchManhassetNew York
| | | | | | - Ian N. Bruce
- The University of Manchester and NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science CentreManchesterUK
| | | | - Maria Dall'Era
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | | | - Ellen M. Ginzler
- State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences UniversityBrooklynNew York
| | | | | | | | | | | | - William Stohl
- University of Southern California Keck School of MedicineLos Angeles
| | - Ronald van Vollenhoven
- Amsterdam Rheumatology and Immunology Center, VU University Medical CenterAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Daniel J. Wallace
- Cedars‐Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, and University of CaliforniaLos Angeles
| | - Michelle Petri
- Johns Hopkins University School of MedicineBaltimoreMaryland
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18
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Furie R, Rovin BH, Houssiau F, Contreras G, Teng YO, Curtis P, Green Y, Okily M, Madan A, Roth DA. Safety and Efficacy of Belimumab in Patients with Lupus Nephritis: Open-Label Extension of BLISS-LN Study. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2022; 17:1620-1630. [PMID: 36302567 PMCID: PMC9718049 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.02520322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In the BLISS-LN study, belimumab improved kidney outcomes in adult patients with active lupus nephritis. This 28-week open-label extension of BLISS-LN assessed belimumab's safety and efficacy. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Eligible patients completing BLISS-LN received monthly intravenous belimumab 10 mg/kg plus standard therapy. End points included safety, open-label week 28 primary efficacy renal response (urine protein-creatinine ratio [UPCR] ≤0.7, eGFR no more than 20% below open-label baseline value or ≥60 ml/min per 1.73 m2, no prohibited medications) and complete renal response (UPCR <0.5, eGFR no more than 10% below open-label baseline value or ≥90 ml/min per 1.73 m2, no prohibited medications), and UPCR and eGFR by visit. Responses were also analyzed post hoc using the double-blind phase criteria. RESULTS Of 257 enrolled patients, 255 were treated (safety population: n=123 switched from placebo-to-belimumab; n=132 remained on belimumab); 245 (97%) patients completed the study. Adverse events and serious adverse events were experienced by 62% and 4% of placebo-to-belimumab patients, respectively, and by 70% and 8% of belimumab-to-belimumab patients, respectively. One death occurred in the placebo-to-belimumab group. From open-label baseline to week 28, increases occurred in the proportions of patients achieving primary efficacy renal response (placebo-to-belimumab: from 60% to 67%; belimumab-to-belimumab: from 70% to 75%) and complete renal response (placebo-to-belimumab: from 36% to 48%; belimumab-to-belimumab: from 48% to 62%). Based on double-blind phase criteria, changes also occurred in the proportions achieving primary efficacy renal response (placebo-to-belimumab: from 54% to 53%; belimumab-to-belimumab: from 66% to 52%) and complete renal response (placebo-to-belimumab: from 34% to 35%; belimumab-to-belimumab: from 46% to 41%). The seeming decrease in response rates in the belimumab-to-belimumab groups was attributed to discontinuations/administration of glucocorticoids for non-SLE reasons as opposed to nephritis. Median UPCR and eGFR values were similar at open-label baseline and week 28. CONCLUSIONS No new safety signals were identified, and efficacy was generally maintained throughout the open-label phase. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRY NAME AND REGISTRATION NUMBER BLISS-LN, NCT01639339.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Furie
- Division of Rheumatology, Northwell Health, Great Neck, New York
| | - Brad H. Rovin
- Division of Nephrology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Frédéric Houssiau
- Pôle de Pathologies Rhumatismales Inflammatoires et Systémiques, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, Université Catholique de Louvain and Service de Rhumatologie, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Gabriel Contreras
- Division of Nephrology, Division of Hypertension, Department of Medicine, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, Florida
| | - Y.K. Onno Teng
- Expert Center for Lupus-, Vasculitis- and Complement-Mediated Systemic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Nephrology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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19
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Wu C, Gong B. Short-term clinical observations of belimumab in the treatment of recently diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus. Immun Inflamm Dis 2022; 10:e716. [PMID: 36301032 PMCID: PMC9601783 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the therapeutic effectiveness and safety of belimumab in the treatment of recently diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS Between January 2019 and February 2022, a total of 30 patients who had been recently diagnosed with SLE were selected for 6 months of belimumab treatment at the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Tianjin First Central Hospital. Laboratory test results and related adverse reactions were recorded at baseline and after treatment. RESULTS Participants' white blood cell counts and complement 3, complement 4, and hemoglobin levels were higher after treatment than at baseline. Participants' immunoglobulin G and immunoglobulin M levels, SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 scores, glucocorticoid doses, erythrocyte sedimentation rates, and serum albumin/globulin ratios were lower after treatment. These differences were all statistically significant (p < .05). CONCLUSION Belimumab was safe and effective in patients recently diagnosed with SLE and might help to reduce the use of glucocorticoids and to improve anemia with few adverse reactions. Belimumab might be applied in the treatment of patients recently diagnosed with SLE with high disease activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunye Wu
- Department of ImmunologyThe Tianjin First Central HospitalTianjinChina
| | - Baoqi Gong
- Department of ImmunologyThe Tianjin First Central HospitalTianjinChina
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20
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Wallace DJ, Atsumi T, Daniels M, Hammer A, Bsph, Meizlik P, Quasny H, Schwarting A, Zhang F, Roth DA. Safety of belimumab in adult patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: Results of a large integrated analysis of controlled clinical trial data. Lupus 2022; 31:1649-1659. [PMID: 36206400 DOI: 10.1177/09612033221131183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, autoimmune disease that affects multiple organ systems. Belimumab, a targeted human monoclonal antibody, binds to and inhibits soluble B-lymphocyte stimulator. The safety and efficacy of belimumab has consistently been demonstrated in multiple clinical trials for the treatment of patients with active SLE. Integration of these data provides an additional opportunity to explore the safety of belimumab in a larger and more diverse population. This post hoc pooled analysis of clinical studies evaluated the safety profile of belimumab versus placebo in adults with SLE. METHODS This was a pooled post hoc analysis of 52-week safety data from one Phase 2 and five Phase 3 belimumab trials in adult patients with SLE. Patients received ≥1 dose of placebo or belimumab (1, 4, or 10 mg/kg intravenous or 200 mg subcutaneous), plus standard therapy. Outcomes included the incidence of adverse events (AEs), serious AEs (SAEs), severe AEs, AEs of special interest (AESI), and mortality. RESULTS Across 4170 patients (placebo: N = 1355; belimumab: N = 2815), baseline demographics, disease characteristics, and treatment exposure were similar for placebo and belimumab. Most patients (placebo: 76.6%; belimumab: 81.0%) completed the protocol Week 52 visit. Overall, incidence of AEs, SAEs, severe AEs, AESI, and mortality were similar between groups. In both groups, the most commonly reported SAEs by system organ class were infections and infestations (placebo: 5.9%; belimumab: 5.4%) and renal and urinary disorders (placebo: 2.2%; belimumab: 1.7%). Additionally, a greater proportion of patients experienced AESI with belimumab versus placebo for post-infusion/injection systemic reactions (placebo: 8.1%; belimumab: 10.2%). Mortality rates were similar between groups (placebo: 0.4%; belimumab: 0.6%). CONCLUSIONS These results are consistent with those of the individual studies, BASE, BLISS-LN, and long-term extension studies, making belimumab one of the most studied SLE treatments for safety. Collectively, this evidence continues to support a positive benefit-risk profile of belimumab in the treatment of adult patients with SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Tatsuya Atsumi
- Department of Rheumatology, 163693Hokkaido University Hospital, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Mark Daniels
- GSK, Global Medical Affairs, Brentford, Middlesex, UK
| | | | - Bsph
- GSK, Biostatistics, Collegeville, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Andreas Schwarting
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, 22461University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
| | - Fengchun Zhang
- Internal Medicine Department, 34732Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - David A Roth
- GSK, Research and Development, Collegeville, PA, USA
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21
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Zhang C, Zeng M, Ge Y, Liu K, Xing C, Mao H. Effectiveness and safety of Belimumab combined with standard therapy in severe active lupus nephritis requiring kidney replacement therapy: A case report and literature review. Front Immunol 2022; 13:977377. [PMID: 36172377 PMCID: PMC9511409 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.977377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Lupus Nephritis (LN) is the most common manifestation of severe organ damage for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. Severe active LN could result in acute kidney injury (AKI), which could even require Kidney Replacement Therapy (KRT). Therefore, there needs to be a more proactive and safe induction therapy to quickly and effectively control renal immune inflammation, maintain kidney function or reverse kidney damage. While multiple clinical studies have proven the efficacy and safety of Belimumab in treating SLE and LN, these studies have not included cases of severe LN requiring KRT. We observed the effectiveness and safety of Belimumab in treating four severe active LN patients undergoing KRT. With Belimumab administered at a dosage of 10mg/kg, all four patients were able to discontinue KRT with no adverse events (AEs) to date ultimately. These cases provided an excellent basis for the application of Belimumab combined with standard therapy to LN patients with a medium to severe kidney injury.
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22
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Otten T, Riemsma R, Wijnen B, Armstrong N, Stirk L, Gordon C, Ramaekers B, Kleijnen J, Joore M, Grimm S. Belimumab for Treating Active Autoantibody-Positive Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: An Evidence Review Group Perspective of a NICE Single Technology Appraisal. PHARMACOECONOMICS 2022; 40:851-861. [PMID: 35802295 PMCID: PMC9363312 DOI: 10.1007/s40273-022-01166-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
As part of its Single Technology Appraisal (STA) process, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) invited the manufacturer (GlaxoSmithKline [GSK]) of Benlysta (belimumab) to submit evidence regarding its clinical and cost effectiveness, for the review and possible extension of a previously conditionally approved intravenous formulation of belimumab for the treatment of active autoantibody-positive systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Kleijnen Systematic Reviews Ltd, in collaboration with Maastricht University Medical Centre+, was commissioned to act as the independent Evidence Review Group (ERG). This paper summarises the company submission (CS), presents the ERG's critical review of the clinical and cost-effectiveness evidence in the CS, highlights the key methodological considerations, and describes the development of the NICE guidance by the NICE Appraisal Committee.This appraisal is different to the previous appraisal in three ways: (1). This appraisal expands its definition of 'high disease activity'. (2). In TA397, belimumab was approved, with a managed access arrangement (MAA), for adults only. This appraisal includes subjects aged 5 years or older. (3). The original appraisal included an intravenous formulation only, but the current appraisal also includes a new subcutaneous formulation in the form of a prefilled pen.The company was required to collect real-world data from the British Isles Lupus Assessment Group Biologics Register (BILAG-BR), including data on the efficacy, safety, and effect on health-related quality of life of belimumab versus rituximab. This appraisal considers these data as well as additional clinical trial evidence presented in the company's updated submission to address uncertainties identified during the original appraisal. The ERG identified three major concerns with the evidence presented on the clinical effectiveness in the current submission; namely, short follow-up in the main comparative trials (BLISS-SC, BLISS-52 and BLISS-76); using the propensity score-matching (PSM) analysis in calibrating the cost-effectiveness model can severely bias the results in favour of belimumab; and BILAG-BR data are not suitable for a comparison of belimumab with rituximab.The main issue in the economic analysis was the uncertainty about long-term disease activity progression and resulting organ damage. The company's approach of calibrating modelled organ damage to longer-term data analysed using the PSM analysis was methodologically inappropriate. The final analysis comparing belimumab with standard treatment for the intravenous formulation resulted in an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of £12,335 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained and £30,278 per QALY gained in the company's and ERG's base-case analyses, respectively. For the subcutaneous formulation, the final analysis resulted in £8480 per QALY gained and £29,313 per QALY gained in the company's and ERG's base-case analyses, respectively. NICE recommended belimumab in both intravenous and subcutaneous formulations as an add-on treatment option for active autoantibody-positive SLE in the HDA-2 subgroup.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Otten
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), P. Debyelaan 25, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Ben Wijnen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), P. Debyelaan 25, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Center of Economic Evaluation and Machine Learning, Trimbos Institute (Netherlands Institute of Mental Health and Addiction), Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lisa Stirk
- Kleijnen Systematic Reviews Ltd, York, UK
| | | | - Bram Ramaekers
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), P. Debyelaan 25, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Manuela Joore
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), P. Debyelaan 25, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Care and Public Health Research Institute (CAPHRI), Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Sabine Grimm
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology and Medical Technology Assessment, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), P. Debyelaan 25, PO Box 5800, 6202 AZ, Maastricht, The Netherlands
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Kirou KA, Dall`Era M, Aranow C, Anders HJ. Belimumab or anifrolumab for systemic lupus erythematosus? A risk-benefit assessment. Front Immunol 2022; 13:980079. [PMID: 36119023 PMCID: PMC9472122 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.980079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) currently employs agents with relatively unselective immunosuppressive properties. However, two target-specific biological drugs have been approved: belimumab (anti-B-cell-activating factor/BAFF) and anifrolumab (anti-interferon alpha receptor-1/IFNAR1). Here, we performed a comparative risk-benefit assessment for both drugs based on the role of BAFF and IFNAR1 in host defense and the pathogenesis of SLE and by considering the available data on safety and efficacy. Due to differences in target expression sites, anti-IFNAR1, but not anti-BAFF, might elicit organ-specific effects, consistent with clinical efficacy data. The IFNAR1 is specifically involved in innate and adaptive antiviral immunity in most cells of the body. Consistent with this observation, the available safety data obtained from patients negatively selected for LN and neuropsychiatric SLE, primary immunodeficiencies, splenectomy and chronic HIV, HBV, HCV infections suggest an increased risk for some viral infections such as varicella zoster and perhaps influenza. In contrast, BAFF is mainly involved in adaptive immune responses in lymphoid tissues, thus anti-BAFF therapy modulates SLE activity and prevents SLE flares without interfering with local innate host defense mechanisms and should only marginally affect immune memory to previous pathogen exposures consistent with the available safety data from SLE patients without chronic HIV, HBV or HCV infections. When using belimumab and anifrolumab, careful patient stratification and specific precautions may minimize risks and maximize beneficial treatment effects for patients with SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyriakos A. Kirou
- Department of Medicine, Hospital for Special Surgery and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, United States
| | - Maria Dall`Era
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Cynthia Aranow
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Hans-Joachim Anders
- Department of Medicine IV, University Hospital of the Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Hans-Joachim Anders,
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24
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Parodis I, Gatto M, Sjöwall C. B cells in systemic lupus erythematosus: Targets of new therapies and surveillance tools. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:952304. [PMID: 36111105 PMCID: PMC9468481 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.952304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
B cell hyperactivity is a hallmark of the complex autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), which has justified drug development focusing on B cell altering agents during the last decades, as well as the off-label use of B cell targeting biologics. About a decade ago, the anti-B cell activating factor (BAFF) belimumab was the first biological agent to be licensed for the treatment of adult patients with active yet non-renal and non-neuropsychiatric SLE, to later be expanded to include treatment of pediatric SLE and, recently, lupus nephritis. B cell depletion is recommended as an off-label option in refractory cases, with the anti-CD20 rituximab having been the most used B cell depleting agent to date while agents with a slightly different binding specificity to CD20 such as obinutuzumab have also shown promise, forming a part of the current pipeline. In addition, terminally differentiated B cells have also been the targets of experimental therapies, with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib being one example. Apart from being promising drug targets, B and plasma cells have also shown promise in the surveillance of patients with SLE, especially for monitoring B cell depleting or B cell altering therapies. Inadequate B cell depletion may signify poor expected clinical response to rituximab, for example, while prominent reductions in certain B cell subsets may signify a protection against flare development in patients treated with belimumab. Toward an era with a richer therapeutic armamentarium in SLE, including to a large extent B cell altering treatments, the challenge that emerges is to determine diagnostic means for evidence-based therapeutic decision-making, that uses clinical information, serological markers, and gene expression patterns to guide individualized precision strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Ioannis Parodis
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Christopher Sjöwall
- Division of Inflammation and Infection, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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25
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Rath E, Bonelli M, Duftner C, Gruber J, Mandl P, Moazedi-Furst F, Pieringer H, Puchner R, Flick H, Salzer HJF, Weiss G, Winkler S, Skvara H, Moschen A, Hofer H, Feurstein J, Sautner J. National consensus statement by the Austrian Societies for Rheumatology, Pulmonology, Infectiology, Dermatology and Gastroenterology regarding the management of latent tuberculosis and the associated utilization of biologic and targeted synthetic disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Wien Klin Wochenschr 2022; 134:751-765. [PMID: 36036323 DOI: 10.1007/s00508-022-02062-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
This publication provides a thorough analysis of the most relevant topics concerning the management of latent tuberculosis when using biologic and targeted synthetic Disease Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs) by a multidisciplinary, select committee of Austrian physicians. The committee includes members of the Austrian Societies for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Pulmonology, Infectiology, Dermatology and Gastroenterology. Consensus was reached on issues regarding screening and treatment of latent tuberculosis and includes separate recommendations for each biologic and targeted synthetic DMARD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva Rath
- Austrian Society for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Vienna, Austria.,1. Medical Department, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Michael Bonelli
- Austrian Society for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Vienna, Austria.,Department of Medicine III, rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Christina Duftner
- Austrian Society for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Vienna, Austria.,Department of Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Johann Gruber
- Austrian Society for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Vienna, Austria.,Department of Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Peter Mandl
- Austrian Society for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Vienna, Austria.,Department of Medicine III, rheumatology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Florentine Moazedi-Furst
- Austrian Society for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Vienna, Austria.,Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Herwig Pieringer
- Austrian Society for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Vienna, Austria.,Diakonissen Hospital, Linz, Austria
| | - Rudolf Puchner
- Austrian Society for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Vienna, Austria.,Private practice, Wels, Austria
| | - Holger Flick
- Austrian Society for Pulmonology (ÖGP), Vienna, Austria.,Department of Pulmonology, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Helmut J F Salzer
- Austrian Society for Pulmonology (ÖGP), Vienna, Austria.,Department of Pulmonology, Kepler Medical University, Linz, Austria
| | - Günter Weiss
- Austrian Society for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Vienna, Austria.,Austrian Society for Infectiology (ÖGIT), Kottingbrunn, Austria.,Department of Medicine II, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefan Winkler
- Austrian Society for Infectiology (ÖGIT), Kottingbrunn, Austria.,Department of Infectiology and Tropical Diseases, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Hans Skvara
- Austrian Society for Dermatology and Venerology (ÖGDV), Vienna, Austria.,Department of Dermatology, State Hospital Wiener Neustadt, Wiener Neustadt, Austria
| | - Alexander Moschen
- Austrian Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology (ÖGGH), Vienna, Austria.,Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kepler Medical University, Linz, Austria
| | - Harald Hofer
- Austrian Society for Gastroenterology and Hepatology (ÖGGH), Vienna, Austria.,Department of Medicine 1, Wels-Grieskirchen Clinics, Wels, Austria
| | - Julia Feurstein
- Austrian Society for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Vienna, Austria.,1. Medical Department, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria
| | - Judith Sautner
- Austrian Society for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation (ÖGR), Vienna, Austria. .,Department of Medicine II, Lower Austrian Centre for Rheumatology, Karl Landsteiner Institute for Clinical Rheumatology, State Hospital Stockerau, Landstr. 18, 2000, Stockerau, Austria. .,Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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26
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Moroni G, Calatroni M, Ponticelli C. Severe lupus nephritis in the present days. FRONTIERS IN NEPHROLOGY 2022; 2:984613. [PMID: 37675028 PMCID: PMC10479763 DOI: 10.3389/fneph.2022.984613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Lupus nephritis (LN) is one of the most frequent and severe organ manifestations of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that is a chronic autoimmune disease. Despite improvement in patient and renal prognosis, the disease continued to be associated with a high rate of end stage kidney disease. Along the last decades, it seems that the epidemiology of LN and its clinical presentation have progressively changed. The forms with renal insufficiency at presentation seem to have progressively reduced in developed countries in favour of more mild clinical presentations with urinary abnormalities only. To this clinical change does not correspond a less severe histological lesions, in fact, the extent of active lesions at kidney biopsy are unchanged, whereas chronic lesions are becoming less frequent and less severe. Meanwhile, new types of severe LN defined by the variable association of demographic, clinical, histological characteristics at diagnosis or during the follow-up are gradually emerging and require attention in assessing the therapy and prognosis. During the last years, randomized controlled trials have reported the efficacy of new drugs in association with standard therapy to improve the rate of short- and medium-term renal response. One of the advantages is that these results were obtained with reduced dosage of corticosteroids whose protracted use is associated with increase of chronic organ damage. Optimization of therapeutical strategies, tailored on the demographic clinical and histological characteristics, with combination of old and new drugs are urgently needed for severe LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriella Moroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele Milan, Italy
- Nephrology and Dialysis Division, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Marta Calatroni
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele Milan, Italy
- Nephrology and Dialysis Division, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
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27
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Arbitman L, Furie R, Vashistha H. B cell-targeted therapies in systemic lupus erythematosus. J Autoimmun 2022; 132:102873. [PMID: 35963808 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2022.102873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease of unknown etiology that primarily affects women of childbearing age. There is no disease more heterogeneous than SLE as patients experience a myriad of manifestations and unpredictable periods of heightened disease activity. This heterogeneity not only makes it difficult for treatment decisions and prognostication, but has made drug development quite challenging. Despite these challenges, belimumab, voclosporin, and anifromulab, approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat SLE or lupus nephritis (LN), enhanced our armamentarium of traditional therapies, such as hydroxychloroquine, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressives. However, there remains a dire need to develop therapies that offer greater efficacy and safety. Patients with SLE produce excessive amounts of autoantibodies and cytokines that result in inflammation and organ damage. While a considerable number of potential drug development targets exist, there has been much attention focused on B cells. Strategies have included direct B cell killing, modulation of B cell function, inhibition of molecules essential to B cell growth and survival, and acceleration of autoantibody clearance, to name just a few. In this article, we review SLE clinical trials evaluating experimental agents that target B cells or plasma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Arbitman
- Harpur College of Arts and Sciences, Binghamton University, Binghamton, NY, USA
| | - Richard Furie
- Division of Rheumatology Northwell Health and Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Great Neck, NY, USA
| | - Himanshu Vashistha
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Northwell Health, Great Neck, NY, USA.
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28
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Nakai T, Fukui S, Kidoguchi G, Ikeda Y, Kitada A, Nomura A, Tamaki H, Kishimoto M, Okada M. Effect and safety profile of belimumab and tacrolimus combination therapy in thirty-three patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Clin Rheumatol 2022; 41:3735-3745. [PMID: 35939162 DOI: 10.1007/s10067-022-06325-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION/OBJECTIVES Belimumab combined with mycophenolate mofetil has been proven to be effective for treating systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in several randomized controlled trials. Calcineurin inhibitors are also useful in controlling the activity of SLE. However, the safety and effectiveness of belimumab-calcineurin inhibitor combination therapy have not been addressed. Therefore, the current single-center retrospective study aimed to analyze the safety/efficacy profile of belimumab-tacrolimus (B-T) combination therapy in patients with SLE. METHOD Patients with SLE administered tacrolimus and belimumab during treatment were included in the study. Samples were analyzed for the drug retention rate, SLE flare rate, infection incidence rate, and glucocorticoid-sparing effect of the B-T combination therapy. RESULTS Thirty-three patients with SLE were treated with B-T combination therapy at our institution. Four patients discontinued treatment due to insufficient response or adverse events. The drug retention rate was over 90% at week 52 and approximately 80% at day 1000. Only one patient developed serious infection. The lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) achievement ratio was 9.1% on the day of initiation and improved to 64.0% at 52 weeks after initiation. SLE flares were observed in three patients (9.1%) in the first 52 weeks after initiation, and in five patients (15.2%) throughout the study period. A glucocorticoid-reducing effect was also observed in patients treated with B-T combination therapy. CONCLUSIONS In most patients with SLE, B-T combination therapy is well tolerated with a good efficacy profile and glucocorticoid-reducing effect. Thus, B-T combination therapy represents a feasible option for patients with refractory lupus. Key Points • The safety and effectiveness of belimumab-calcineurin inhibitor combination therapy have not been addressed. • The drug retention rate of belimumab-tacrolimus combination therapy was over 90% at week 52 and around 80% on day 1000 • Almost none of the patients suffered from severe infection after the initiation of belimumab-tacrolimus combination therapy. • Belimumab-tacrolimus combination therapy is efficacious in suppressing lupus activity and achieving LLDAS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takehiro Nakai
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.
| | - Sho Fukui
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Center for Clinical Epidemiology, St. Luke's International University, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Emergency and General Medicine, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Genki Kidoguchi
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yukihiko Ikeda
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayako Kitada
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Atsushi Nomura
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromichi Tamaki
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mitsumasa Kishimoto
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, Kyorin University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masato Okada
- Immuno-Rheumatology Center, St. Luke's International Hospital, 9-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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29
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Abuqayyas L, Cheng LE, Teixeira dos Santos M, Sullivan BA, Ruiz‐Santiago N, Wang H, Zhou Y, Chindalore V, Cohen S, Kivitz AJ, Posch MG, Parnes JR. Safety and Biological Activity of Rozibafusp alfa, a Bispecific Inhibitor of Inducible Costimulator Ligand and B Cell Activating Factor, in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: Results of a Phase 1b, Randomized,
Double‐Blind
,
Placebo‐Controlled
, Multiple Ascending Dose Study. ACR Open Rheumatol 2022; 4:903-911. [PMID: 35899378 PMCID: PMC9555197 DOI: 10.1002/acr2.11487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To assess the safety and biological activity of rozibafusp alfa, a first‐in‐class bispecific antibody–peptide conjugate targeting inducible costimulator ligand (ICOSL) and B cell activating factor (BAFF), in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods This phase 1b, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, multiple ascending dose study included 34 patients (18–75 years; 82.4% female) with active RA (Disease Activity Score of 28 joints–C‐reactive protein [DAS28‐CRP] >2.6, on stable methotrexate) randomized 3:1 to receive rozibafusp alfa (n = 26, in four ascending dose cohorts of 70, 140, 210, and 420 mg) or a placebo (n = 8) subcutaneously once every 2 weeks for 10 weeks (six total doses), with 24 weeks of follow‐up. The primary end point was the incidence of treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs). Additional assessments included serum pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD), immunogenicity, and RA disease activity measures (DAS28‐CRP, Patient Global Assessment of Disease, and Physician Global Assessment of Disease). Results TEAEs occurred in 96.2% and 87.5% of patients receiving rozibafusp alfa and the placebo, respectively; most were mild or moderate in severity. Two (7.7%) patients treated with rozibafusp alfa reported serious TEAEs; none were considered treatment related. Multiple doses of rozibafusp alfa showed nonlinear PK (mean t1/2 = 4.6–9.5 days) and dose‐related, reversible PD (>90% ICOSL receptor occupancy in 210‐ and 420‐mg cohorts; reduction in naïve B cells and increase in memory B cells in all cohorts). Five (20%) patients developed anti–rozibafusp alfa antibodies, with no apparent impact on safety. RA disease activity showed greater numerical improvement from baseline with rozibafusp alfa versus the placebo in the 210‐ and 420‐mg cohorts. Conclusion Multiple ascending doses of rozibafusp alfa were well tolerated, with PK and PD reflecting dual ICOSL and BAFF blockade. Findings support further clinical evaluation of rozibafusp alfa in autoimmune disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Hui Wang
- Amgen Inc. Thousand Oaks California
| | | | | | | | - Alan J. Kivitz
- Altoona Center for Clinical Research Duncansville Pennsylvania
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30
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Joy A, Muralidharan A, Alfaraj M, Shantharam D, Cherukuri ASS, Muthukumar A. The Role of Belimumab in Systemic Lupus Erythematosis: A Systematic Review. Cureus 2022; 14:e25887. [PMID: 35844357 PMCID: PMC9277571 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.25887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease involving multiple systems with a range of clinical presentations caused by the production of antibodies, activation of complements, and deposition of immune complexes. The exact cause of SLE is still unknown. The effectiveness of traditional treatment methods for SLE is very little. Nowadays, resistance to conventional therapy, steroids, and immunosuppressants is common among SLE patients. Patients with refractory disease and nephritis generally have severe drug-induced toxicity which contributes to organ dysfunction, despite available therapies. Different biologic agents and therapeutic antibodies have become an alternative and have been under experiment in clinical trials, enrolling patients whose disease is inadequately controlled by conventional treatment. Belimumab is the only targeted therapy approved for SLE treatment. This systematic review discusses one such biological agent for treating systemic lupus erythematosus, namely, belimumab. The systematic review was conducted in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Studies included randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from 2005 to 2021 on adult SLE. patients treated with monoclonal antibodies to assess the efficacy and safety. Methodological quality was assessed using PubMed, PMC, the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, and the QUality In Prognosis Studies Tool (QUIPS) for RCTs. Two independent reviewers performed an electronic search on MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, SCIELO, Scopus, and ResearchGate. Based on a systematic review of articles we found that belimumab appears to be efficacious and generally well-tolerated in the treatment of SLE as compared to other drugs. The long-term use of belimumab combined with standard therapy showed a low incidence of organ damage. A lower incidence of organ damage was seen after initiating treatment in patients with a high risk for organ dysfunction. Patients who test for antinuclear antibody or anti-dsDNA-positive SLE, with moderate symptoms in the skin and musculoskeletal systems despite immunosuppressants, are treated with belimumab as an adjunct therapy. Patients with severe lupus nephritis or active CNS lupus cannot be treated with belimumab. Belimumab is effective in most races, as a clinical trial done in North-East Asia showed improvement in SLE symptoms and decreased dependence on prednisone. Belimumab also decreased disease activity and severe flares. Belimumab had greater efficacy in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashna Joy
- Internal Medicine, AP Varkey Mission Hospital, Ernakulam, IND
| | | | - Marwa Alfaraj
- Internal Medicine, LaSante Health Center, New York, USA
| | | | | | - Arun Muthukumar
- Anaesthesiology, Calcutta National Medical College & Hospital (CNMCH), Kolkata, IND
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31
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Real-World Effectiveness of Belimumab in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Systematic Literature Review. Rheumatol Ther 2022; 9:975-991. [PMID: 35596922 PMCID: PMC9314515 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-022-00454-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Belimumab is a recombinant human monoclonal antibody that binds to soluble B-lymphocyte stimulator and inhibits its biological activity. Since receiving approvals for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), several observational studies have investigated the effectiveness of belimumab in the real-world setting. This study reports a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature to evaluate the real-world effectiveness of belimumab for the treatment of SLE. Methods A literature search following PRISMA Guidelines and limited to studies in English was performed (2014−2020) to identify relevant studies reporting effectiveness outcomes of belimumab in patients with SLE. A modified version of the Newcastle–Ottawa Scale was used to assess study quality. Outcomes, including SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI) score, prednisone-equivalent use, and SLE flare were pooled and analyzed using statistical aggregation methods. Results The literature search identified 514 articles for initial review. Of these, 17 articles were suitable for data extraction and summary. Baseline characteristics of patients in real-world studies were generally similar to those of relevant clinical trials, including age, sex, disease duration, SLEDAI score, and prednisone-equivalent use. Real-world use of belimumab was associated with reductions in SLEDAI score (mean baseline score to month 6: 10.1–4.4; 57% reduction), prednisone-equivalent dosing (mean baseline dose to month 6: 12.1 mg/day to 6.9 mg/day; 43% reduction), and flare frequency (12 months prior to belimumab to 12 months after belimumab: 1.15–0.39 mean flares per patient per year; 66% reduction). Long-term data (up to 2 years post-treatment initiation) for SLEDAI score and prednisone-equivalent dose indicated that improvements in both outcomes continue over time among patients remaining on therapy. Conclusions In the real-world setting, observed outcomes with belimumab for the treatment of SLE are consistent with those reported from randomized clinical trials. Improvements persist long-term for SLEDAI activity and prednisone-equivalent use with belimumab. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40744-022-00454-9.
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32
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Plüß M, Piantoni S, Tampe B, Kim AHJ, Korsten P. Belimumab for systemic lupus erythematosus - Focus on lupus nephritis. Hum Vaccin Immunother 2022; 18:2072143. [PMID: 35588699 PMCID: PMC9359396 DOI: 10.1080/21645515.2022.2072143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, advances in the treatment and management of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) have improved their life expectancy and quality of life. However, lupus nephritis (LN) still represents a major life-threatening complication of the disease. Belimumab (BEL), a fully human monoclonal IgG1λ antibody neutralizing soluble B cell activating factor, was approved more than ten years ago as add-on therapy in adults and pediatric patients with a highly active, autoantibody-positive disease despite standard of care (SoC). Recently, the superiority of the addition of BEL to SoC was also demonstrated in LN. In this review, we provide a comprehensive overview of the study landscape, available therapeutic options for SLE (focusing on BEL in renal and non-renal SLE), and new perspectives in the treatment field of this disease. A personalized treatment approach will likely become available with the advent of novel therapeutic agents for SLE and LN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlene Plüß
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Silvia Piantoni
- Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, ASST Spedali Civili and University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Björn Tampe
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Alfred H J Kim
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.,Division of Immunobiology, Department of Pathology and Immunology, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA.,Andrew M. and Jane M. Bursky Center of Human Immunology and Immunotherapy Programs, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, USA
| | - Peter Korsten
- Department of Nephrology and Rheumatology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
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33
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Parodis I, Gomez A, Lindblom J, Chow JW, Doria A, Gatto M. Early Changes in B and Plasma Cell Subsets and Traditional Serological Markers as Predictors of SRI-4 Response to Therapy in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Med (Lausanne) 2022; 9:852162. [PMID: 35572992 PMCID: PMC9096349 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.852162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective With the premise of the hypothesis that early biological responses to therapy for active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) portend later clinical improvements, we studied changes in B cell subsets and traditional serological markers in relation to clinical response to standard therapy (ST) with or without the addition of belimumab. Patients and Methods We analyzed data from the BLISS-76, BLISS-SC, and BLISS Northeast Asia trials (N = 1712). Circulating CD19+ B cell subsets were determined by flow-cytometry. We studied associations of relative to baseline percentage changes in circulating B and plasma cell subsets, anti-dsDNA antibody levels and complement levels with SLE Responder Index (SRI)-4 response after 52 weeks of treatment. Changes occurring through week 8 were deemed "rapid," through week 24 "early," and thereafter "delayed". Results In the analysis of the entire cohort, SRI-4 responders showed more prominent decreases from baseline through week 52 in CD19+CD20+CD27- naïve B cells (median change: -61.2% versus -50.0%; P = 0.004), CD19+CD20-CD27 bright plasmablasts (-44.9% versus -33.3%; P = 0.011), and CD19+CD20-CD138+ long-lived plasma cells (-48.2% versus -37.1%; P = 0.024), and a more prominent rapid (+92.0% versus +66.7%; P = 0.002) and early (+60.0% versus +49.5%; P = 0.033) expansion of CD19+CD20+CD27+ memory B cells than non-responders. More prominent rapid reductions in anti-dsDNA (-14.8% versus -8.7%; P = 0.043) and increases in C3 (+4.9% versus +2.1%; P = 0.014) and C4 levels (+11.5% versus +8.3%; P = 0.017) were documented in SRI-4 responders compared with non-responders among patients who received add-on belimumab, but not among patients who received non-biological ST alone. Conclusion SRI-4 responders showed a more prominent rapid expansion of memory B cells and more prominent delayed reductions in naïve B cells, plasmablasts and long-lived plasma cells. Moreover, clinical response to belimumab was associated with preceding more prominent reductions of anti-dsDNA and increases in C3 and C4 levels. Monitoring biological changes may prove useful in SLE patient surveillance and early treatment evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Alvaro Gomez
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julius Lindblom
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jun Weng Chow
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska University Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrea Doria
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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34
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Bruce IN, Golam S, Steenkamp J, Wang P, Worthington E, Desta B, Psachoulia K, Erhardt W, Tummala R. Indirect treatment comparison of anifrolumab efficacy versus belimumab in adults with systemic lupus erythematosus. J Comp Eff Res 2022; 11:765-777. [PMID: 35546484 DOI: 10.2217/cer-2022-0040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Assess the comparative efficacy of anifrolumab 300 mg versus belimumab 10 mg/kg in adults with moderate-to-severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) receiving standard therapy. Patients and methods: Population-adjusted simulated treatment comparisons (primary analyses) and matching-adjusted indirect comparisons (supporting analyses) were conducted using individual patient data from TULIP-1/TULIP-2 and summary-level data from BLISS-52/BLISS-76. Results: Compared with belimumab-treated patients, anifrolumab-treated patients were more than twice as likely to achieve a reduction of four or more points in SLE Disease Activity Index 2000 score (simulated treatment comparison odds ratio: 2.47; 95% CI: 1.16-5.25) and SLE Responder Index-4 response (odds ratio: 2.61; 95% CI: 1.22-5.58) at 52 weeks. Conclusion: Patients with moderate-to-severe SLE are more likely to achieve an improvement in disease activity with anifrolumab than with belimumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian N Bruce
- Centre for Epidemiology Versus Arthritis, Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, The University of Manchester & NIHR Manchester Biomedical Research Centre, Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
| | - Sarowar Golam
- Global Market Access & Pricing, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, 431 50, Sweden
| | | | - Pearl Wang
- EVERSANA™, Burlington, ON, L7N 3H8, Canada
| | | | - Barnabas Desta
- BioPharmaceuticals Business Unit, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Konstantina Psachoulia
- Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmunity, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
| | - Wilma Erhardt
- Global Market Access & Pricing, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gothenburg, 431 50, Sweden
| | - Raj Tummala
- Respiratory, Inflammation & Autoimmunity, BioPharmaceuticals R&D, AstraZeneca, Gaithersburg, MD 20878, USA
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Xu Y, Xu JW, Wang YJ, Tung TH, Chien CW. Belimumab combined with standard therapy does not increase adverse effects compared with a control treatment: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 109:108811. [PMID: 35512563 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The increasing administration of belimumab has demonstrated its biological benefits. Prior meta-analyses have examined the overall adverse events (AEs) associated with belimumab, but such knowledge needs to be updated with a high volume of new trials. However, little is known about the occurrence of AEs associated with different underlying diseases. This study aimed to address the safety of the intravenous (IV) administration of belimumab combined with standard of care (SoC) therapy in Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. METHODS We used PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library to systematically search for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) reporting AEs and specific AEs in SLE patients receiving belimumab and SoC therapy before 30 November 2021. We extracted the data of the eligible studies and calculated pooled risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in SLE patients receiving belimumab and SoC therapy and experiencing various AEs. The main outcomes were as follows: (1) any AEs, any serious AEs (SAEs), and any severe AEs; (2) serious organ specific adverse events; (3) adverse events of special interest (AESIs). RESULTS Of the 1,621 studies identified, nine RCTs involving 7,974 patients were eligible for the meta-analysis. There were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups in terms of the incident of AEs: AEs (RR = 0.99, 95% CI: 0.97-1.02, P = 0.68), SAEs (RR = 0.91, 95% CI: 0.81-1.02, P = 0.09), and severe AEs (RR = 0.92, 95% CI: 0.75-1.14, P = 0.46). The pooled data also showed that there was no significant correlation between five types of SAEs grouped by organ class and the IV belimumab (10 mg/kg) intervention, except for 'infections and infestations' (RR = 0.82, 95% CI: 0.70-0.97, P = 0.02) and 'musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders' (RR = 0.46, 95% CI: 0.32-0.67, P < 0.0001). In addition, we found no significant association between AESIs and the IV administration of belimumab (10 mg/kg) (all malignancies: RR = 1.53, 95% CI: 0.69-3.36, P = 0.3; all post-infusion systemic reactions: RR = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.85-1.30, P = 0.63; depression: RR = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.92-2.20, P = 0.11; serious depression: RR = 2.60, 95% CI: 0.85-7.93, P = 0.09; suicide or self-injury: RR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.48-1.96, P = 0.92; serious suicide or self-injury: RR = 1.26, 95% CI: 0.59-2.70, P = 0.56). CONCLUSIONS According to the results of the meta-analysis, SLE patients did not have significantly increased risk of experiencing any type of AEs when receiving SoC therapy. Special caution should be exercised during close follow-ups and individual clinical management before drug prescription.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xu
- Institute for Hospital Management, Tsing Hua University, Shenzhen Campus, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Jia-Wen Xu
- Institute for Hospital Management, Tsing Hua University, Shenzhen Campus, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Yan-Jiao Wang
- Institute for Hospital Management, Tsing Hua University, Shenzhen Campus, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Tao-Hsin Tung
- Evidence-based Medicine Centre, Taizhou Hospital of Zhejiang Province Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, Linhai 317000, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ching-Wen Chien
- Institute for Hospital Management, Tsing Hua University, Shenzhen Campus, Shenzhen 518055, Guangdong Province, China.
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Parodis I, Gomez A, Chow JW, Borg A, Lindblom J, Gatto M. Early B Cell and Plasma Cell Kinetics Upon Treatment Initiation Portend Flares in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Post-Hoc Analysis of Three Phase III Clinical Trials of Belimumab. Front Immunol 2022; 13:796508. [PMID: 35444642 PMCID: PMC9015703 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.796508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate changes in B cell subsets in relation to disease flares upon initiation of standard therapy (ST) plus belimumab or placebo in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Patients and Methods Using data from the BLISS-76, BLISS-SC and BLISS Northeast Asia trials, we investigated associations of relative to baseline rapid (through week 8) and early (through week 24) changes in peripheral B cell subsets, anti-dsDNA and complement levels with the occurrence of disease flares from week 24 through week 52 (Mann-Whitney U tests) or the entire study follow-up (Cox regression analysis), assessed using the SELENA-SLEDAI Flare Index. Results Patients on ST alone who flared displayed less prominent early decreases in CD19+CD20-CD138+ long-lived plasma cells (-16.1% versus -35.1%; P=0.012). In all arms combined, patients who developed severe flares showed less prominent early decreases in CD19+CD20-CD138+ long-lived plasma cells (-23.5% versus -39.4%; P=0.028) and CD19+CD27brightCD38bright SLE-associated plasma cells (-19.0% versus -27.8%; P=0.045). After adjustment for rapid changes, early increases in overall CD19+CD20+ B cells (HR: 1.81; 95% CI: 1.08–3.05; P=0.024) and early increases or no return after a rapid expansion in CD19+CD20+CD27+ memory B cells (HR: 1.58; 95% CI: 1.18–2.11; P=0.002) portended subsequent severe flares. Patients who developed flares of any severity showed no or less prominent rapid (0.0% versus -12.5%; P<0.001) or early (-1.9% versus -21.7%; P<0.001) decreases in anti-dsDNA levels, and patients who developed severe flares showed no or less prominent early decreases in anti-dsDNA levels (0.0% versus -13.3%; P=0.020). Changes in complement levels exhibited no ability to distinguish flaring from non-flaring patients. Conclusions Increase or lack of decrease in certain circulating B cell subsets or anti-dsDNA levels upon treatment initiation for active SLE heralded subsequent severe disease flares. A rapid expansion of memory B cells may signify sustained response to therapy when followed by a subsequent drop, while no return or delayed increases in memory B cells may portend flaring. Peripheral B cell and serological marker kinetics may help identify patients in whom therapeutic modifications could protect against flare development, and may hence prove a useful complement to traditional surveillance and early treatment evaluation in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Parodis
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden
| | - Alvaro Gomez
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jun Weng Chow
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alexander Borg
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Julius Lindblom
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet and Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mariele Gatto
- Unit of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
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Zhang F, Zheng J, Li Y, Wang G, Wang M, Su Y, Gu J, Li X, Bass D, Chu M, Curtis P, DeRose K, Kurrasch R, Lowe J, Meizlik P, Roth DA. Phase 3, long-term, open-label extension period of safety and efficacy of belimumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus in China, for up to 6 years. RMD Open 2022; 8:rmdopen-2021-001669. [PMID: 35428697 PMCID: PMC9014060 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2021-001669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of belimumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in China. Methods In this phase 3, open-label extension period, eligible completers of study BEL113750 (NCT01345253) received intravenous belimumab 10 mg/kg monthly for ≤6 years. The primary endpoint was safety. Secondary endpoints included the SLE Responder Index (SRI)-4 response rate, severe SLE flares and changes in prednisone use. Analyses were based on observed data from the first dose of belimumab through to study end. Results Of the 424 patients who received belimumab, 215 (50.7%) completed the study, 208 (49.1%) withdrew and 1 patient died. Overall, 359/424 (84.7%) patients had adverse events (AEs), and 96/424 (22.6%) had serious AEs. 26/424 (6.1%) patients discontinued study treatment/withdrew from the study due to AEs. Postinfusion systemic reaction rate was 1.5 events/100 patient-years. Herpes zoster infection rate was 3.0 events/100 patient-years, of which 0.4 events/100 patient-years were serious events. One papillary thyroid cancer and one vaginal cancer were reported in year 0–1 and year 3–4, respectively. There were no completed suicides/suicide attempts and no reports of serious depression. The proportion of SRI-4 responders increased progressively (year 1, week 24: 190/346 (54.9%); year 5, week 48: 66/82 (80.5%)). Severe flares were experienced by 55/396 (13.9%) patients. For 335 patients with baseline prednisone-equivalent dose >7.5 mg/day, the number of patients with a dose reduction to ≤7.5 mg/day increased over time (year 1, week 24: 30/333 (9.0%); year 5, week 48: 36/67 (53.7%)). Conclusions Favourable safety profile and disease control appeared to be maintained in patients with SLE in China for ≤6 years, consistent with previous belimumab studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengchun Zhang
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Department of Dermatology, Ruijin Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Li
- Department of Rheumatology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Nangang District, Harbin, China
| | - Guochun Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mingjun Wang
- Department of Rheumatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Yin Su
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jieruo Gu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xingfu Li
- Department of Rheumatology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Damon Bass
- Immunoinflammation, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Myron Chu
- Immunoinflammation, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Paula Curtis
- Biostatistics, GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, Middlesex, UK
| | - Kathleen DeRose
- Immunoinflammation, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Regina Kurrasch
- Immunoinflammation, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Jenny Lowe
- Immunoinflammation and Fibrosis, GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, Middlesex, UK
| | - Paige Meizlik
- Immunoinflammation, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - David A Roth
- Immunoinflammation, GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
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Li Q, Chen H, Li Z, Zhang F, Chen L. Glucocorticoid caused lactic acid accumulation and damage in human chondrocytes via ROS-mediated inhibition of Monocarboxylate Transporter 4. Bone 2022; 155:116299. [PMID: 34915176 DOI: 10.1016/j.bone.2021.116299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common joint disease lacking effective treatments. Dexamethasone (Dex) is often used to relieve joint pain. However, the adverse effects of Dex on cartilage can't be ignored. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Dex on articular cartilage and its mechanism by in vitro and in vivo experiments. The results showed that intra-articular injection with Dex damaged the matrix synthesis of cartilage. In vitro, Dex induced human chondrocytes mitochondrial dysfunction and increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, while down-regulated or unchanged key glycolysis genes, but increased lactic acid (LA) concentration. It was showed that high concentrations of LA induced chondrocytes apoptosis. Mechanistically, monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) was inhibited by Dex and had a significant negative correlation with ROS level. Further results showed that the trimethyl-histone H3-K4 (H3K4me3) level of MCT4 was reduced by Dex, and the ROS scavenger N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) and α-ketoglutarate (α-KG) alleviated the Dex-induced obstruction of matrix synthesis and high level of ROS by up-regulating the H3K4me3 level of MCT4 and its expression. In conclusion, Dex exhibited harm to cartilage, shown as mitochondrial dysfunction and increased ROS. The latter further caused LA accumulation in chondrocytes via decreasing the H3K4me3 level of MCT4 and its expression, which may account for the long-term side effects of Dex on chondrocytes. And α-KG may be used as an auxiliary drug to weaken the toxic effect of Dex on cartilage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingxian Li
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Haitao Chen
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Zhenyu Li
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Liaobin Chen
- Division of Joint Surgery and Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
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Skácelová M. What is new in the treatment of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus? VNITRNI LEKARSTVI 2022; 68:273-278. [PMID: 36283816 DOI: 10.36290/vnl.2022.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus treatment is targeted to achieve remission or low disease activity and protection from disease flares. A number of immunosupresive drugs in combination with glucocorticoids are used for this purpose and there is an increased possibility of the use of biologic treatment, especially of belimumab. Calcineurin inhibitor voclosporin is a novelty in lupus nephritis treatment. Another novelty is anifrolumab, a biologic drug which inhibits the activity of type I interferons. An integral part of care is the prevention of late disease complications, especially cardiovascular risk management.
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Miyazaki Y, Nakayamada S, Sonomoto K, Akio K, Inoue Y, Okubo N, Iwata S, Hanami K, Tanaka Y. Efficacy and safety of belimumab during maintenance therapy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 61:3614-3626. [PMID: 34962998 PMCID: PMC9434316 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives The efficacy of belimumab (BEL) during maintenance therapy in patients with SLE remains unclear in the real-life clinical setting. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of BEL in patients with SLE during maintenance therapy. Methods In this retrospective observational study, maintenance therapy was defined as low-dose glucocorticoid (GC) therapy (prednisolone equivalent dose of ≤0.2 mg/kg/day) in patients with a Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-SLE Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) score <10. Participants comprised patients with SLE on HCQ or MMF [standard-of-care (SoC) group: n = 103] and those on BEL plus SoC (BEL+SoC group: n = 100). Selection bias was minimized using propensity score-based inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW). GC dose trajectories were modelled using growth mixture modelling (GMM). The primary end point was GC dose at 52 weeks. Results No significant difference was observed in patient characteristics between the two groups after IPTW adjustment. The BEL+SoC group exhibited a significant decrease in GC dose. GC dose at 52 weeks and relapse rate were significantly lower in the BEL+SoC group than in the SoC group. The proportion of patients in one of four groups defined by GMM for which GC dose was tapered to 0 mg within 52 weeks (GC tapering-discontinuation group) was significantly higher in the BEL+SoC group than in the SoC group. In the BEL+SoC group, low SELENA-SLEDAI score and low GC dose at baseline were associated with being GC dose-tapering discontinuation. Conclusion The present study suggests that BEL is suitable for patients with SLE during maintenance therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke Miyazaki
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Shingo Nakayamada
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Koshiro Sonomoto
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Kawabe Akio
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Yoshino Inoue
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Naoaki Okubo
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Shigeru Iwata
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Kentaro Hanami
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
| | - Yoshiya Tanaka
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Japan
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Tsang-A-Sjoe MWP, Bultink IEM. New developments in systemic lupus erythematosus. Rheumatology (Oxford) 2021; 60:vi21-vi28. [PMID: 34951924 PMCID: PMC8709564 DOI: 10.1093/rheumatology/keab498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, the results of recent and ongoing clinical trials in patients with SLE are discussed. After many unsuccessful trials in the past decade, belimumab was the first biologic specifically designed for SLE that met its primary end point. At the same time, studies on the pathophysiology of SLE have further elucidated the pathways involved in the disease, which has led to the identification of new possible therapeutics and has encouraged the initiation of new trials. These new drugs include biologics that target B cells, T cells and type 1 interferons, and small molecules that inhibit kinases. Other therapeutics aim to restore immunological balance by restoring tolerance. Results from phase II and even phase III trials are promising and it is likely that some of the therapeutics discussed will receive approval in the following years. Hopefully, this will allow for more tailor-made medicine for SLE patients in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michel W. P. Tsang-A-Sjoe
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Irene E. M. Bultink
- Department of Rheumatology, Amsterdam Rheumatology and immunology Center, Amsterdam University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Petrou P. A Systematic Review of the Economic Evaluations of Belimumab in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Value Health Reg Issues 2021; 27:32-40. [PMID: 34784546 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2021.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Systemic lupus erythematosus is a heterogeneous, multisystem autoimmune disease. These attributes cause lupus to be a challenging condition to adequately manage, which is further aggravated by the lack of treatment modalities. Belimumab is a full human monoclonal antibody, and its safety and efficacy in lupus management have been demonstrated in a number of randomized clinical trials. However, these gains come at a high cost in an era that is demarcated by soaring pharmaceutical expenditure. Therefore, the objective of this paper is to critically assess the economic evaluations of belimumab. METHODS A systematic review was performed for economic evaluations of belimumab and the retrieved studies were assessed with the quality of health economic studies questionnaire. RESULTS A total of 3 studies and 5 abstracts were retrieved. Belimumab demonstrated a consistent favorable economic profile across Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Hong Kong, Canada, and Greece. The sensitivity analyses revealed that the effectiveness of treatment and the discontinuation rate had the greatest effect on the outcome. CONCLUSION Current data underscore a favorable cost-effectiveness ratio of belimumab in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Results are consistent across Spain, Italy, Portugal, Greece, Hong Kong, Canada, and Greece, countries for which an economic evaluation was available. Nevertheless, the low number of assessments, along with concerns regarding its long-term effectiveness, underpin areas that necessitate further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Petrou
- Pharmacoepidemiology-Pharmacovigilance, Pharmacy School, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia and Health Insurance Organization, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Deng WP. Recent advances in the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus with belimumab in children. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2021; 23:1069-1074. [PMID: 34719425 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2107153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease involving multiple organs, and lupus nephritis (LN) is the most common renal complication of SLE. Belimumab is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody that can reduce the number of B cells, thereby reducing the formation of autoantibodies. Belimumab can improve SLE response index and SLE disease activity score and delay the progression of LN in both adults and children and thus plays an important role in the treatment of SLE and LN. This article reviews related research reports of belimumab used in the treatment of children and adults with SLE in China and overseas and analyzes the efficacy and safety of belimumab in pediatric patients, in order to provide a reference for the clinical application of belimumab in children with SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Ping Deng
- Department of Pharmacology, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha 410078, China (Luo P, luoping1011@126. com)
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44
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Yang C, Sun J, Tian Y, Li H, Zhang L, Yang J, Wang J, Zhang J, Yan S, Xu D. Immunomodulatory Effect of MSCs and MSCs-Derived Extracellular Vesicles in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Immunol 2021; 12:714832. [PMID: 34603289 PMCID: PMC8481702 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.714832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a common autoimmune connective tissue disease with unclear etiology and pathogenesis. Mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) and MSC derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) play important roles in regulating innate and adaptive immunity, which are involved in many physiological and pathological processes and contribute to the immune homeostasis in SLE. The effects of MSCs and EVs on SLE have been drawing more and more attention during the past few years. This article reviews the immunomodulatory effects and underlying mechanisms of MSC/MSC-EVs in SLE, which provides novel insight into understanding SLE pathogenesis and guiding the biological therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunjuan Yang
- Department of Rheumatology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.,Central Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jianmei Sun
- Department of Chemistry, School of Applied Chemistry, Food and Drug, Weifang Engineering Vocational College, Qingzhou, China
| | - Yipeng Tian
- Material Procurement Office of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Haibo Li
- Central Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Lili Zhang
- Central Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jinghan Yang
- Department of Rheumatology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.,Central Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jinghua Wang
- Department of Rheumatology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.,Central Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Jiaojiao Zhang
- Central Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Shushan Yan
- Department of Gastrointestinal and Anal Diseases Surgery of the Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Donghua Xu
- Department of Rheumatology of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.,Central Laboratory of the First Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
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Levy RA, Gonzalez-Rivera T, Khamashta M, Fox NL, Jones-Leone A, Rubin B, Burriss SW, Gairy K, van Maurik A, Roth DA. 10 Years of belimumab experience: What have we learnt? Lupus 2021; 30:1705-1721. [PMID: 34238087 PMCID: PMC8564244 DOI: 10.1177/09612033211028653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease affecting both adults and children. Belimumab is the only biologic approved for SLE, and the first in a class of drugs known as B-lymphocyte stimulator-specific inhibitors. The introduction of intravenous belimumab in 2011 was a major advance, being the first new therapy approved for SLE in over 50 years. As of April 2021, more than 7200 people with SLE have received belimumab in clinical studies, and it is approved in over 75 countries for the treatment of adults with SLE. A subcutaneous, self-injectable belimumab formulation was licensed in 2017 by both the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and European Medicines Agency (EMA). Belimumab was then approved for use in children in Europe, the USA and Japan in 2019, and China and Brazil in 2020. Recently, belimumab became the first FDA-approved drug for the treatment of adults with active lupus nephritis (LN), the most-common severe manifestation of SLE.Over the past 10 years, belimumab has established its position as a disease modifier in the SLE treatment paradigms. Robust evidence from randomised clinical studies and observational, real-world studies has demonstrated the tolerability and efficacy of belimumab for reducing disease activity and the risk of new, severe SLE flares. This enables patients to taper their glucocorticoid use, which limits damage accumulation. Significantly more patients with active LN met the criteria for renal responses and were at less risk of a renal-related event or death after receiving belimumab plus standard therapy, compared with standard therapy on top of mandatory steroid reduction. Ongoing clinical studies are evaluating belimumab's effectiveness in various indications beyond SLE. Post-marketing and registry studies are gathering additional data on key areas such as pregnancy outcomes after belimumab exposure and belimumab co-administration with other biologics.
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Meng X, Wang Q, Wu S, Pu D, Zhang A, Fang S, Zhou X, Lu H. Pharmacokinetics and Safety of Intravenous and Subcutaneous Auto-injector Single-dose Belimumab in Healthy Chinese Volunteers: A phase 1, Randomized, Open-label Study. Rheumatol Ther 2021; 8:1711-1724. [PMID: 34554352 PMCID: PMC8572285 DOI: 10.1007/s40744-021-00366-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Belimumab is a recombinant human immunoglobulin G1λ monoclonal antibody indicated as an intravenous (IV) 10 mg/kg and subcutaneous (SC) 200-mg dose for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Belimumab 10 mg/kg IV has been approved for the treatment of patients with SLE in China. This phase 1 study investigated the pharmacokinetics (PK), safety, and tolerability of belimumab 200 mg SC and the approved IV formulation in a healthy Chinese population. Methods This was a 13-week open-label, randomized, parallel-group study in healthy Chinese volunteers. Eligible volunteers were randomized (1:2) to receive a single dose of IV or SC (via auto-injector) belimumab 200 mg. PK and safety endpoints were evaluated using descriptive statistics. Results Thirty-six healthy Chinese volunteers were enrolled and all completed the study. Concentration–time profiles were as expected for both formulations. Overall, 130 adverse events (AEs) were reported, with 28 AEs reported in 11 (91.7%) volunteers in the IV group and 102 AEs in 24 (100%) volunteers in the SC group. Of the 130 AEs, 104 (80.0%) were considered to be treatment-related (27 [20.8% of total AEs] treatment-related AEs in the IV group; 77 [59.2% of total AEs] in the SC group). Although the occurrence of AEs was higher in the SC group, most volunteers (91.7%) experienced AEs of mild intensity. The most frequently reported AEs included injection site pain (n = 19 [79.2%]) and oropharyngeal pain (n = 5 [20.8%]) in the SC group, and positive bacterial test, upper respiratory tract infection, blood uric acid increase, white blood cell count increase, asthenia, and diarrhea (n = 2 [16.7%], each) in the IV group. Conclusions PK profiles of 200 mg SC and IV belimumab administrations were similar to previous studies, and safety profiles were acceptable, supporting the use of the SC dose in Chinese patients with SLE. Trial registration NCT04136145. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40744-021-00366-0. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a long-term autoimmune disease that affects patients’ quality of life. Belimumab is an antibody used in several countries in combination with standard therapy to treat patients with SLE. Belimumab can be given monthly either via a vein (intravenous, IV) or weekly under the skin (subcutaneous, SC). In China, only the IV belimumab has been approved for the treatment of patients with SLE. Therefore, we carried out a study in healthy Chinese volunteers to compare the concentration of a single dose of IV or SC belimumab in the body over time, and to investigate the safety of SC belimumab to assist its approval in China. In our study, the concentration and safety of both administration methods were similar; however, more volunteers from the SC treatment group had urinalysis-related side effects compared with the IV treatment group. All of these side effects were of mild intensity and did not require treatment. These results suggest that SC belimumab could be used for the treatment of Chinese patients with SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianmin Meng
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Di Pu
- R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Sun Fang
- R&D, GlaxoSmithKline, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuan Zhou
- Clinical Pharmacology Modelling and Simulation, GlaxoSmithKline, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongzhou Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Rd, Jinshan District, Shanghai, China.
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Kaegi C, Steiner UC, Wuest B, Crowley C, Boyman O. Systematic review of safety and efficacy of belimumab in treating immune-mediated disorders. Allergy 2021; 76:2673-2683. [PMID: 33368349 DOI: 10.1111/all.14704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Biologic agents (also termed biologics or biologicals) are becoming increasingly important in the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. However, the diversity of clinical trials along with the fast pace of publication makes it difficult to determine the level of evidence for the use of a biologic for a given disorder. To address this challenge, we are publishing a series of systematic reviews evaluating the safety and efficacy of B cell-targeting biologics for the treatment of immune-mediated diseases. In this article, we have assessed the safety and efficacy of belimumab, a fully human IgG1 monoclonal antibody targeting the cytokine B cell-activating factor (BAFF). OBJECTIVE To evaluate belimumab's safety and efficacy for the treatment of immune-mediated disorders compared to placebo, conventional treatment or other biologics. METHODS The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist guided the reporting of the data. We searched the PubMed database between October 4, 2016, and June 23, 2019, concentrating on immune-mediated disorders. RESULTS The literature search identified 583 articles. After screening titles and abstracts against the inclusion and exclusion criteria and assessing full texts, 17 articles were finally included in a narrative synthesis. CONCLUSIONS Belimumab is both safe and effective for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Results were further promising for the use of belimumab in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and Sjögren's syndrome. Conversely, results using belimumab in patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis and myasthenia gravis were rather disappointing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celine Kaegi
- Department of Immunology University Hospital Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Urs C. Steiner
- Department of Immunology University Hospital Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Benjamin Wuest
- Department of Immunology University Hospital Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Catherine Crowley
- Department of Immunology University Hospital Zurich Zurich Switzerland
| | - Onur Boyman
- Department of Immunology University Hospital Zurich Zurich Switzerland
- Faculty of Medicine University of Zurich Zurich Switzerland
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Biologics and novel targeted therapeutics have transformed the management of pediatric rheumatic diseases over the past two decades; however, questions about short-term and long-term safety remain. Safety data gathered from recent clinical trials, long-term extensions of prior trials, registries, and other real-world evidence are summarized here for biologics and novel therapeutics commonly prescribed for pediatric rheumatic diseases. RECENT FINDINGS With nearly 20 years of therapeutic experience, tumor necrosis inhibitors (TNFi) are generally well tolerated, although infections, malignancy, and development of new autoimmunity remain a concern. Risk of infections may be higher in IL-1 and IL-6 inhibitors, and lower in abatacept, compared with TNFi. Safety data for B-cell-targeted therapeutics and janus kinase inhibitors are emerging, but remain limited, especially in children. SUMMARY Biologic and novel targeted therapeutics offer a promising future for children with pediatric rheumatic disease. However, long-term safety data in children remain limited for several agents. With any therapeutic option, both short-term and long-term safety concerns must be weighed against individual clinical needs when choosing the optimal treatment for each child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel L. Randell
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Mara L. Becker
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Rheumatology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Duke Clinical Research Institute, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Sevdali E, Block Saldana V, Speletas M, Eibel H. BAFF receptor polymorphisms and deficiency in humans. Curr Opin Immunol 2021; 71:103-110. [PMID: 34311146 DOI: 10.1016/j.coi.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The BAFF-receptor (BAFFR) is a member of the TNF-receptor family. It is expressed only by B cells and binds BAFF as single ligand, which activates key signaling pathways regulating essential cellular functions, including survival, protein synthesis, and metabolic fitness. In humans, BAFFR deficiency interrupts B cell development at the transition from immature to mature B cells and causes B lymphopenia, hypogammaglobulinemia, and impaired humoral immune responses. Polymorphisms in TNFRSF13C gene affecting BAFFR oligomerization and signaling have been described in patients with immunodeficiency, autoimmunity and B cell lymphomas. Despite a uniform expression pattern of BAFFR in peripheral mature B cells, depletion of BAFF with neutralizing antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus does not affect the survival of switched memory B cells. These findings imply a distinct dependency of mature B cell subsets on BAFF/BAFFR interaction and highlight the contribution of BAFFR-derived signals in peripheral B cell development and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Sevdali
- Dept. of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology and Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Violeta Block Saldana
- Dept. of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology and Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Matthaios Speletas
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece
| | - Hermann Eibel
- Dept. of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology and Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany.
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Tanaka Y, Bae SC, Bass D, Curtis P, Chu M, DeRose K, Ji B, Kurrasch R, Lowe J, Meizlik P, Roth DA. Long-term open-label continuation study of the safety and efficacy of belimumab for up to 7 years in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus from Japan and South Korea. RMD Open 2021; 7:e001629. [PMID: 34215703 PMCID: PMC8256836 DOI: 10.1136/rmdopen-2021-001629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of belimumab in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) from Japan and South Korea. METHODS In this phase III, open-label continuation study (BEL114333; NCT01597622), eligible completers of BEL113750 (NCT01345253) or BEL112341 (NCT01484496) received intravenous belimumab 10 mg/kg every 28 days for ≤7 years. Primary endpoint was safety. Secondary endpoints: SLE Responder Index (SRI)4 response rate, proportion of patients meeting individual SRI4 criteria, SLE flares and prednisone use. Analyses were based on observed data from the first belimumab exposure (either in parent or current study) through to study end. RESULTS Of 142 enrolled patients who received belimumab, 73.2% completed the study. The study population comprised patients with moderate SLE, mean (SD) Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus National Assessment-SLE Disease Activity Index (SELENA-SLEDAI) baseline score of 9.3 (3.9) and 98.6% receiving corticosteroids. Most patients (97.9%) experienced adverse events (AEs); 33.8% experienced serious AEs. Increase in SRI4 (Year 1, Week 24: 47.8%; Year 6, Week 48: 68.2%) and SELENA-SLEDAI responders suggested reductions in disease activity. Proportions of patients with no worsening in Physician Global Assessment/no new organ damage remained stable throughout. Severe SLE flares occurred in 14.8% of patients. Among patients with baseline prednisone-equivalent dose >7.5 mg/day (n=81), the median (min, max) number of days anytime post-baseline that the daily dose was ≤7.5 mg/day or had been reduced by 50% from baseline was 584 (0, 2267). CONCLUSIONS Favourable safety profile and treatment responses were maintained for ≤7 years in patients with SLE from Japan and South Korea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshiya Tanaka
- The First Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health Japan, Kitakyushu, Japan
| | - Sang-Cheol Bae
- Department of Rheumatology, Hanyang University Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Damon Bass
- GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Myron Chu
- GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
| | | | - Beulah Ji
- GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, Middlesex, UK
| | | | - Jenny Lowe
- GlaxoSmithKline, Brentford, Middlesex, UK
| | | | - David A Roth
- GlaxoSmithKline, Collegeville, Pennsylvania, USA
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